RM: Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlational study?

Answer 1

-studies which investigate the relationship/association between two variables (co-variables)

Question 2

How do correlational studies differ from the experimental method?

Answer 2

-in experiments, the researcher manipulates the IV so measure effect on DV (causality)
-in correlational, there is no manipulation of variables so causality cannot be established

Question 3

How do you write hypotheses for correlational research?

Answer 3

-states whether there is going to be a relationship between x and y

Question 4

What are the types of correlational research hypotheses?

Answer 4

-null= no correlation
-directional= states if positive/negative
-non-directional= there will be a relationship/association

Question 5

How is data collected for the co-variables?

Answer 5

-secondary data-> from another source
-observational data-> from experiment
-questionnaires-> from questionnaires/interviews
-Brain scanning technologies-> to see activation of specific areas of the brain

Question 6

What graph is used to plot the data?

Answer 6

-a scatter diagram
-the dots indicate the degree of correlation between the two variables (correlation co-efficient)

Question 7

What is a positive correlation?

Answer 7

-if one variable increases, the other also increases
-1= perfect, 0.8= strong, 0.3= weak

Question 8

What is a negative correlation?

Answer 8

-as one variable increases, the other decreases
- -1= perfect negative, -0.8= strong, -0.3= weak

Question 9

What is a zero/null correlation?

Answer 9

-there is no relationship between the variables

Question 10

What is a curvilinear relationship?

Answer 10

-as one variable increases, so does the other, but only up to a certain point, after which one keeps increasing, the other decreases

Question 11

Strengths of correlational studies?

Answer 11

-used when it would be impractical/unethical to manipulate variables
-can make use of existing data
-can be a quick/easy way to carry out research.
high in ecological validity- manipulation of behaviour needed
-useful as a preliminary research technique- links can be identified

Question 12

Limitations of correlational studies?

Answer 12

-no cause and effect relationship identified
-could be a third intervening variable
-correlations are open to interpretation
-correlation is not causation