RM 3: correlations (BP)

Question 1

Strengths

Answer 1

1) Correlations can reveal unexpected relationships between variables, guiding further research. Weak correlations rule out causality, while strong ones suggest possible causal links.
2) Correlation coefficient quantifies the direction and strength of variable relationships, provides a precise numerical measure of variable relationships.
3) useful when experimental manipulation unethical or impractical, helping researchers explore complex relationships + serving as powerful exploratory tool.

Question 2

Weaknesses

Answer 2

1) No cause-and-effect – Correlation shows a relationship but cannot prove causation. There may be intervening variables explaining the link.
e.g. Temperature may explain the positive correlation between forest fires and ice cream sales.
2) No direction of effect – Correlations don’t show which variable causes the other.
e.g. Aggressiveness and violent video watching may be linked, but we can’t tell if one causes the other or if it’s the reverse.