correlation

Question 1

strengths

Answer 1

most cost effective because we can use pre-existing data so there is no need to conduct an experiment where the environment and variables need to be controlled which saves money that would have been needed to be spent on resources etc.

Question 2

weaknesses

Answer 2

1. correlation does not infer causation. can be the former causing the latter. for variables it can be either variable causing each other or also external (intervening variables) so it can only provide limited support to a theory or explanation
2. has negative implications on society. might affect how people act e.g ‘people in hoodies and cromer rates increasing will make the public more weary’. correlation studies can sometimes be misused or misinterpreted and some variables may be reported as causal when they aren’t really - especially in the media. can result in a negative social outcome such as discrimination and stereotypes.