Correlations

Question 1

What’s a correlation?

Answer 1

• involves the same participant providing data for two measures
• do NOT show cause and effect
• shows relationship between two variables
• e.g. the more alcohol you drink per week, the higher the risk of depression

Question 2

What’s a positive correlation?

Answer 2

• as one variable increases, the other variable increases with it
• correlation coefficient of +1 would be perfect positive correlation
• 0.7 and above is considered to be a strong positive correlation

Question 3

What’s a negative correlation?

Answer 3

• as one variable increases, the other variable decreases
• correlation coefficient of -1 would be perfect negative correlation
• -0.7 is considered to be a strong negative correlation

Question 4

What if there’s no correlation?

Answer 4

• no relationship between the two variables
• correlation coefficient of 0

Question 5

Correlational Hypotheses

Answer 5

• not the same as hypotheses written for experiments
• no IV and DV in a correlation
• still has to clearly state the expected relationship between the variables
• must be clearly operationalised

Question 6

Non-directional Correlational Hypotheses

Answer 6

• there will be a correlation between…

Question 7

Directional Correlational Hypotheses

Answer 7

• there will be a positive/negative correlation between…

Question 8

Null Correlational Hypotheses

Answer 8

• there will be no correlation between…

Question 9

Correlation Strengths

Answer 9

• little manipulation of variables needed
• can show relationships that might not be expected
• show statistical relationships between variables
• can study natural things