Correlations- RESEARCH METHODS

Question 1

Correlation

Answer 1

Relationship between 2 continuous variables

Question 2

Positive Correlation

Answer 2

As one variable goes up, so does the other

Question 3

Negative Correlation

Answer 3

As one variable goes up, the other goes down

Question 4

Coefficient of Correlation- Definition

Answer 4

Tells you how strong the relationship is between 2 variables

Question 5

Correlation Coefficients

Answer 5

+1.00 = Perfect Positive
+0.80 = Strong Positive
+0.60 = Moderate Positive
+0.40 = Weak Positive
0.00 = NO correlation
-0.40 = Weak Negative
-0.60 = Moderate Negative
-0.80 = Strong Negative
-1.00 = Perfect Negative

Question 6

Advantages of Correlations (3)

Answer 6

• May indicate a relationship between 2 variables that can then be studied experimentally
• Does not require manipulation of variables and are more ethical than doing experiments
• High ecological validity- we can correlate data from real life

Question 7

Disadvantages of Correlations (2)

Answer 7

• Does not prove a casual relationship- we don’t know which variable is affecting the other variable or there might be a third variable affecting it
• Correlation coefficients do not show curvilinear relationships