Strength and weaknesses of CORRELATIONS

Question 1

Preliminary…. (Strength)

Answer 1

Correlations are very useful as a preliminary research technique, allowing researchers to identify a link that can be further investigated through more controlled research.

Question 2

Unethical…. (Strength)

Answer 2

Can be used to research topics that are sensitive/unethical, as no deliberate manipulation of variables is required.

Question 3

Cause and effect…. (Weakness)

Answer 3

Correlations only identify a link, they do not identify which variable causes which.

A third variable might be present that is influencing one of the co-variables, which is not considered.