Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation

Answer 1

A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between 2 variables, called co-variables

Question 2

Which type of graph is used to present correlations

Answer 2

A scattergram

Question 3

What is a positive correlation

Answer 3

As one co-variable increases or decreases so does the other

Question 4

What is a negative correlation

Answer 4

As one co-variable increases or decreases the other does the opposite

Question 5

What is zero correclation

Answer 5

When there is no relationship between the co-variables

Question 6

What are intervening variables

Answer 6

Other variables which may have an affect on co-variables

Question 7

What are the three types of correlation

Answer 7

positive, negative and zero

Question 8

What is the difference between a correlation and experiment

Answer 8

In an experiment there is manipulation of the IV to measure the effect on the DV, whereas with correlations there is no manipulation

Question 9

What are two strengths of correlations

Answer 9

1. useful preliminary tool for research- provide measure of how 2 variables are related which may suggest ideas for possible future research
2. quick and economical to carry out

Question 10

What are two limitations of correlations

Answer 10

1. they do not provide a cause and effect relationship between variables
2. third variable problem- there may be another untested variable which cause the relationship between the two variables