Correlation Data

Question 1

What are correlational studies?

Answer 1

A relationship or association between the 2 variables (co-variables)

Question 2

If the two variables increase together it is a:

Answer 2

Positive correlation

Question 3

If the two variables decrease together it is a:

Answer 3

Negative correlation

Question 4

If there is a zero relationship it is called a

Answer 4

Zero correlation

Question 5

Where can I collect the data from?

Answer 5

Secondary data - e.g population growth, people in employment
Observational data - e.g the number of times someone displays a behaviour
Questionnaires - e,g standardised measure

Question 6

Curvilinear relationship

Answer 6

A more complex relationship than purely positive or negative
Curve shape

Question 7

IMPORTANT

Answer 7

correlation does not = causation
Just because there is a positive correlation, doesn’t mean it is the cause
E.g eating ice cream and drowning

Question 8

Experiments

Answer 8

Researcher controls or manipulates the IV to measure the effect on the DV (can establish cause and effect)

Question 9

Correlation

Answer 9

No manipulation of one variable not possible to establish cause and effect between one client-variable and another. Especially as there may be intervening variables.

Question 10

STRENGTHS of correlation data

Answer 10

Make use of existing data(secondary)
High in ecological validity because it is real behaviour or experiences
Useful as a preliminary research technique- allowing researchers to identify a link that can further investigated through more controlled research
Can be used when it would be impractical/unethical to manipulate variables using another method

Question 11

LIMITATIONS of correlation data

Answer 11

Correlation does NOT = causation

Cannot establish causation