Self Report Methods : Correlations

Question 1

What is a Correlation?

Answer 1

A correlation (co-relation) is a relationship between variables (called co-variables). Researchers use statistics to analyse the type and strength of an association (relationship) between co-variables.

Question 2

Outline the THREE types of correlations.

Answer 2

> POSITVE: in a positive correlation, when one of the co-variables increases, the other increases.
NEGATIVE: in a negative correlation, when one of the co-variables increases, the other decreases.
ZERO: describes a situation where there is no association between the co-variables. (I.e. increasing or decreasing one variable is unrelated to the other)

Question 3

What is ONE way to analyse the Correlational research? (2 types of interpretation)

Answer 3

Plot it on a scatter gram. Allows for several interpretations:
1. The researcher can see what type of correlation is shown in their data.
2. The researcher can see the strength of the correlation.

Question 4

What is ONE way of analysing the data in Correlational research?

Answer 4

Calculate the Co-efficient— statistic ranges from +1 to -1
- Positive correlation co-efficient (e.g. 0.8) = very strong positive correlation
- 0 means Zero Correlation
- Negative correlation co-efficient (e.g. -0.8) = very strong negative correlation
(A correlation co-efficient is closer to 0 means a very weak positive correlation)

Question 5

What is ONE interpretation that can be made based on the strength of the correlation?

Answer 5

The likelihood the correlation occurred by chance. Weaker correlations are more likely to have occurred by chance than stronger correlations.

Question 6

What are TWO differences between Experiments and Correlations?

Answer 6

1. The presence of manipulation. Experiments must have one variable being manipulated (IV) and one variable being measured (DV). Researcher doesn’t manipulate the variables but instead measures them.
2. The purpose of the investigation. The aim of an experiment is to establish a cause and effect relationship (does the IV cause the DV to change). The aim of a Correlational study is simply to establish whether two or more variables are associated in some way (positive or negative correlations).