Research Methods - Correlations

Question 1

What is a correlation?

Answer 1

A form of analysis to see the extent to which two different variables are related.
Two covariables from the same participant are both measured, and neither variable is manipulated by the teacher

Question 2

How are correlations obtained?

Answer 2

• Quantitative data can be collected from various research methods like observations, questionnaires, and experiments etc
• It is analysed to see if there is a relationship between the two variables being studied

Question 3

What is a disadvantage of using correlations?

Answer 3

We cannot state that one variable causes another, ie we cannot show causation

Question 4

What is the difference between correlations and experiments?

Answer 4

• Measures 2 covariables
• A test of association
• No manipulation of IV, only measuring
• Can’t show cause and effect
• Cannot control EVs

Question 5

How can the strength of a relationship be measured using a scatter graph?

Answer 5

See how close all the points are to the line of best fit

Question 6

What are correlation coefficients?

Answer 6

• Measures the strength of a linear association between two covariables, producing a value between +1 and -1.
• It does this by seeing how close the results follow a set predictable pattern.
• The stronger the relationship between the two variables, the more accurately we can use one variable to predict the other.

Question 7

How do you write a correlational hypothesis?

Answer 7

It must include BOTH VARIABLES that the correlation is testing.
It should include the word SIGNIFICANT.
Directional: Says whether the relationship will be positive or negative
Non-directional: Says “there will be a relationship between…”

Question 8

What is a strength of correlations?

Answer 8

P
Can lead to new research and be used as a starting point before committing to an experimental study

E
They control for participant variables, as both sets of data come from the same participants

E
There is natural control over any individual differences between participants that could otherwise affect validity.

Question 9

What is a weakness of correlations?

Answer 9

P
They do not infer causation so we cannot establish cause and effect

E
Correlations only tell us whether a relationship exists between two covariables

E
They cannot tell us if one variable causes the other and therefore their usefulness is limited.

Question 10

What is another weakness of correlations?

Answer 10

P
There may be issues with validity

E
Another untested variable may be impacting the relationship, which is known as the third variable problem.

E
Inaccurate conclusions are likely to be made about a relationship existing, when actually both factors may just appear related but are actually both influenced by something else.