Correlation

Question 1

what is a correlation

Answer 1

it is something that illustrates the strength and direction of an association between 2 or more co variables

Question 2

what are correlations plotted on

Answer 2

scattergram

Question 3

what are the 3 types of correlations

Answer 3

positive, negative and zero

Question 4

what is a positive correlation

Answer 4

both sets of data increase/decrease at the same time, dots got from bottom left to top right

Question 5

what is a negative correlation

Answer 5

one co-variable increased as the other decreases, dots go from top left to bottom right

Question 6

what is zero correlation

Answer 6

when dots are all over the place if there is no correlation

Question 7

what is the coefficient range

Answer 7

-1 and 1

Question 8

what coefficient value indicates a negative correlation

Answer 8

a - number (-1 to 0)

Question 9

what coefficient value indicates a posative correlation

Answer 9

a + number (0 to 1)

Question 10

what is the difference between correlations and experiments

Answer 10

In experiments, the researcher controls the IV and measures the DV. In a correlation there is no manipulation of the variable - so you cannot establish cause and effect. Even if there was a strong positive correlation you cannot assume one variable affects another

Question 11

what are the strengths of correlations

Answer 11

.very useful as a preliminary research technique
.allows researchers to identify a link that can be further investigated
.can be used to research topics that are sensitive / otherwise would be unethical

Question 12

what are the limitations of correlations

Answer 12

.they can only identify link not which variable causes which
.there may be a 3rd variable present which could influence one of the co-variables which isn’t considered