Correlations

Question 1

What are correlations used for ?

Answer 1

• correlations look for a relationship or association between 2 or more co-variables

Question 2

where are correlations planted on ?

Answer 2

scattergrams
- where one co-variable is planted on the x axis and the other on the y axis

Question 3

AO3
- strengths

Answer 3

• provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how 2 variables are related and may suggest ideas for possible research
• correlations are used as a starting point to asses possible patterns between variables before researchers commit to an experimental study
• correlations are relatively quick and economical to carry out
  no need for controlled environment and no manipulation of variables

Question 4

AO3
- weaknesses

Answer 4

• as a result of a lack of experimental manipulation and control within a correlation, studies can only tell us how variables are related but not why
• correlations cannot demonstrate cause and effect so we do not know which co-variable is causing the other to change
• role in intervening variables