Correlation

Question 1

Positive correlation

Answer 1

One variable increases, and so does the other

Question 2

Negative correlation

Answer 2

As one variable decreases, so does the other

Question 3

Zero correlation

Answer 3

No relationship between the co-variables

Question 4

Correlation (strengths)

Answer 4

Provides a quantifiable measure of how two variables are related
May suggest ideas for future research
Quick and economical to carry out
Secondary data can be used, so it’s less time-consuming

Question 5

Correlation (weaknesses)

Answer 5

Only tells us how variables are related, and not why
The third variable problem - Another untested variable is causing the relationship between the co-variables
Correlations can be then misused or misinterpreted

Question 6

Primary data

Answer 6

Information that was not present before the research began
It was obtained or generated by the researcher

Question 7

Secondary data

Answer 7

Data which already exists
Information has already been collected by someone else, and pre-dates the current research project

Question 8

Meta-Analysis

Answer 8

Analysis of a vast number of research data
The results have been combined into one research paper