Research Methods-Correlations

Question 1

Define Positive Correlation

Answer 1

As one variable increases, the other also increases

Question 2

Define Negative Correlation

Answer 2

As one variable increases, the other decreases.

Question 3

Define No Correlation

Answer 3

No relationship between the two variables

Question 4

Define Correlational Analysis

Answer 4

Measures the strength of relationship between variables that are thought to co-vary.
Useful in research where variables cannot be manipulated for either practical or ethical reasons.
Plays a major role in establishing the reliability and validity of psychological measuring instruments.
DOES NOT INFER CAUSATION

Question 5

List one strength of correlational analysi

Answer 5

Identifies possible relationships that could lead to further avenues of study. Correlation could lead to practical applications that could benefit society.

Question 6

List one weakness of correlational analysis

Answer 6

Only examine the strength of a relationship, not cause and effect between variables. Can lead to inaccurate conclusions being drawn regarding the causes of behaviour lowering validity.

Question 7

Define Correlational Hypotheses

Answer 7

Predicts relationship between variables. Can be one tailed or two tailed.

Question 8

Give example of one tailed correlational hypotheses

Answer 8

There will be a significant positive relationship between people’s heights and their confidence.

Question 9

Give example of two tailed correlational hypotheses

Answer 9

There will be a significant relationship between people’s height and their confidence.

Question 10

Give example of null correlational hypotheses

Answer 10

There will be no significant relationship between people’s heights and their confidence.

Question 11

Define Scatter graph

Answer 11

Show correlation between two sets of data by plotting dots to represent each pair of scores.

Question 12

Define Correlation Coefficient

Answer 12

Measures strength of correlation. Statistic that has a value on a scale between +1 (perfect positive correlation) and -1 (perfect negative correlation)

Question 13

List correlation values and strengths of their relationships

Answer 13

1.0                     Perfect
.80                    Strong
.50                    Moderate
.30                    Weak
.10                     Very Weak