Correlational Studies Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is a correlation?
A relationship between 2 variables
In a correlational study, there are no independent or dependent variables, there are …
Co-variables
When do we use a correlational design?
To test a hypothesis about a relationship between 2 variables
When looking for a relationship that would be impractical or unethical to manipulate for an experiment
How to use correlations?
4 steps
Decide what co-variables you will be measuring and operationalise your variables
Measure each participant on both co-variables
Plot the values on a scatter graph to see if there is a relationship
Carry out a statistical test (Spearman’s Rank) to see if the relationship is significant or due to chance - this will produce a correlation co-efficient.
Correlation coefficients?
The correlation coefficient is measured from -1 to 1
The higher the number, the stronger the relationship
Correlational hypothesis
Hypothesis would need to state the relationship that you would expect to find between 2 co variables
This is different from an experimental hypothesis where you are generally looking for a difference between 2 conditions of the IV
Non directional correlational hypothesis
There will be a correlation..
Directional correlational hypothesis
There will be a positive/negative correlation
Null correlational hypothesis
There will be no significant correlation
Strengths of Correlational research
Can be used when it would be unethical or impractical to manipulate variables
No manipulation of behaviour is required; all the researcher does is measure existing variables -> high in ecological validity
Can make use of existing data and so be a quick and easy way to carry out research
Weaknesses of Correlational research
Correlations may lack internal/external validity
No cause and effect relationships can be inferred
Correlations are open to misinterpretation
