RM correlations

Question 1

what is a correlation

Answer 1

the strength and direction of an association between two co-variables

Question 2

what is a positive correlation

Answer 2

as one co-variable increases, so does the other

Question 3

what is a negative correlation

Answer 3

as one co-variable increases, the other decreases

Question 4

what is a zero correlation

Answer 4

there is no relationship between two co-variables

Question 5

what is the difference between correlations and experiment

Answer 5

• in an experiment, the researcher controls or manipulates the independent variable to see the effect on a dependent variable
• in a correlation, there is no manipulation of one variable and so it is not possible to establish cause and effect

Question 6

strengths of correlations

Answer 6

• useful preliminary tool for research.
• by assessing strength and direction of a relationship, they provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how two variables are correlated
• quick and economical to carry out as there is no need for a controlled environment and no manipulation of variables is required

Question 7

limitations of correlations

Answer 7

• lack of experimental manipulation and control can only tell as how variables are related not why
• cannot demonstrate cause and effect
• third variable problem where an undetected variable has an effect