Correlations Flashcards
Correlation (Definition:)
The interdependence of variable quantities.
Co-factors (Definition:)
The variables which their correlational relationship is being studied.
What are the three types of correlation?
- Positive correlation
- Negative correlation
- Zero correlation
Which type of graph do we plot correlations on?
Scattergrams.
Which type of correlation is being described?
As one co-variable increases, the other co-variable increases.
Positive correlation.
Which type of correlation is being described?
As one co-variable increases, the other co-variable decreases.
Negative correlation.
Which type of correlation is being described?
When there is no correlation between the co-variables.
Zero correlation.
What is the correlation coefficient for a perfect positive correlation?
+1.
What is the correlation coefficient for a perfect negative correlation?
-1.
What is the correlation coefficient for no correlation whatsoever?
0.
What is a correlation?
A mathmatical technique in which the researcher investigates an association between two variables.
What is a co-variable?
The variables investigated within a correlation.
What is a scattergram?
A graph in which correlations are plotted on.
T / F:
- Correlations are a method of analysis rather than a research method.
True - (but it is easier to say ‘correlations’ than ‘studies with correlational analysis’.)
Why are co-variables not called the IV and DV?
Because correlation involves the association between variables rather than the a cause an effect relationship.
On a scattergram, what forms each of the axis?
One co-variable is on the x-axis and the other is on the y-axis.
What is the difference between a correlation and experiment?
In an experiment the researcher controls or manipulates the IV to measure the effect on the DV, whilst a correlation involves no manipulation of the IV and therefore there is no way to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
What is meant by the term intervening variables?
It is a hypothetical variable used to explain causal links between other variables.
AO3 - Strengths.
- Useful preliminary tool for research.
- Relatively quick and economical to carry out.
- Secondary data can be used.
AO3 - Weaknesses.
- Correlation does not equal causation.
- Third variable problem.
- Easily misused or misinterpreted.
AO3 - Correlation does not equal causation.
Correlations cannot demonstrate cause an effect relationships as we don’t know which co-variable is causing change in the other. This means they cannot be used to make justified conclusions.
AO3 - Third variable problem.
It may be the case that an untested variable is causing the relationship between the two co-variables, this intervening variable causes the third variable problem.
AO3 - Data misuse or misinterpretation.
Largely due to the third variable problem and correlation not equalling causation, data is often misused and misinterpreted which leads to the formation of ‘casual conclusions’.
What is a positive correlation?
As one co-variable increases, the other also increases.
