Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation?

Answer 1

A correlation shows a link/relationship between variables. These are known as co-variable one and co-variable two.

Question 2

In a correlation, is there an IV and DV?)

Answer 2

No, there is no IV and DV and therefore no manipulation of variables by the researcher.

Question 3

What does a correlation show?

Answer 3

A correlation shows the strength and direction of a relationship between two co-variables. Correlations are plotted on a scattergraph.

Question 4

When asked to describe a correlation from a scattergraph or table, what must you comment on?

Answer 4

You must comment on both the direction and strength of the correlation. (1+1)

Question 5

What are the 3 different directions of correlation?

Answer 5

Positive – as one co-variable increases, so does the other. Negative – as one co-variable increases, the other decreases.
-Zero – there is no relationship between the co-variables.

Question 6

What are the 2 different strengths of correlation?

Answer 6

• Strong – all points on a scattergraph are close to the line (direction). (1)
  
  • Weak – all points are spread far apart and away from the line (direction). (1)

Question 7

Q: Explain what is meant by the term correlation coefficient.

Answer 7

A correlation coefficient is a result (number) from a correlational statistical test which tells us how strong or weak a correlation is. They range from -1 (a strong negative correlation) to +1 (a strong positive correlation). The closer to 0, the weaker the correlation/relationship.

Question 8

What does the correlation coefficient show?

Answer 8

The strength and direction of a correlation.

Question 9

What is the range of correlation coefficients?

Answer 9

From -1.0 to +1.0.

Question 10

What does a correlation coefficient of 0 mean?

Answer 10

Zero correlation.

Question 11

What does a correlation coefficient closer to ±1 mean?

Answer 11

A stronger correlation.

Question 12

What wording must you never use in a correlation hypothesis?

Answer 12

The word difference – only use relationship.

Question 13

Are the following positive or negative correlations? (5 marks)

Answer 13

1. The more aggressive the parents, the more aggressive their children → Positive
   
   2. The hotter the temperature, the fewer clothes people wear → Negative
   3. The more sweets eaten, the more fillings needed → Positive
   4. The colder the weather, the higher people’s fuel bills → Negative
   5. The more sociable someone is, the more friends they have → Positive

Question 14

What does a non-directional hypothesis state?

Answer 14

That there will be a relationship between the co-variables, but not the direction.

Question 15

Writing frame for a non-directional correlation hypothesis?

Answer 15

There will be a significant relationship between (operationalised co-variable 1) and (operationalised co-variable 2).

Question 16

Non-directional hypothesis for “map reading ability and driving ability” (new research area)?

Answer 16

There will be a significant relationship between map reading ability (score on a map test out of 30) and driving ability (score on a driving test out of 20).

Question 17

What does a directional hypothesis state?

Answer 17

That there will be a relationship and the direction of the relationship (positive or negative).

Question 18

When do you write a directional hypothesis?

Answer 18

When previous research has already shown the direction of the relationship.

Question 19

Writing frame for a directional correlation hypothesis?

Answer 19

There will be a significant positive/negative relationship between (operationalised co-variable 1) and (operationalised co-variable 2).

Question 20

Directional hypothesis for “heating bills and temperature” (previous research shows as temperature decreases, bills increase)?

Answer 20

There will be a significant negative relationship between temperature (°C) and heating bills (£ per month).

Question 21

Flashcard 1 – Experiment definition
Q: What is an experiment?
A: In an experiment the researcher is looking for a difference between conditions. The researcher controls/manipulates the IV and measures the effect on the DV. It is possible to establish cause and effect between the IV and the DV.

Flashcard 2 – Correlation definition
Q: What is a correlation?
A: A correlation shows a relationship between two co-variables. There is no manipulation by the researcher and a cause and effect cannot be established.

Flashcard 3 – Example of a correlation
Q: Give an example of a correlation.
A: There might be a strong positive correlation between drinking high levels of caffeine and increased stress at work, but this does not mean the caffeine has caused the high levels of stress. Other factors such as high workload, tight deadlines, or family conflict may contribute. These are called intervening variables.

Flashcard 4 – Why use a correlation
Q: Why might we use a correlation instead of an experiment?
A: There is no manipulation, so it is appropriate when studying sensitive issues or situations where it would be unethical or impractical to manipulate variables (e.g. addiction and stress). Experiments may be unethical or impractical in these cases.

Flashcard 5 – Correlations as a starting point
Q: How can correlations be useful as a starting point?
A: Correlations can assess possible patterns. If a relationship is found, it may suggest one variable impacts another, helping guide future experimental research or saving time and money if no relationship exists.

Flashcard 6 – Strengths of correlations
Q: What are the strengths of correlations?
A: No manipulation → suitable for sensitive/ethical issues. Can show patterns → useful for predicting links and guiding future research.

Flashcard 7 – Limitations of correlations
Q: What are the limitations of correlations?
A: Cannot establish cause and effect because only relationships are shown. Extraneous variables may be responsible → lowers internal validity.

Flashcard 8 – Misinterpretation
Q: How can correlations be misinterpreted?
A: Correlations can be misinterpreted by media and society. People may assume causation and misuse the findings.