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L -Psychology AS Research Methods > Correlations > Flashcards

Flashcards in Correlations Deck (10)
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1
Q

What is a correlation?

A

A statistical, mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables (called co-variables)

2
Q

What does a correlation show?

A

The strength and direction of an association between two or more co-variables

3
Q

What is a positive correlation?

A

Refers to a relationship where the variables move in the same direction (increase in one = increase in another)

4
Q

What is a negative correlation?

A

Refers to a relationship on which an increase in one variable is accompanied by a decrease in another

5
Q

What is a zero correlation?

A

This means that there is no relationship between two variables

6
Q

What does a correlation hypothesis do? Give an example

A

It states the expected association between the co-variables

E.g. ‘There will be a positive correlation between age and beauty’

7
Q

What is a correlation coefficient? Explain how it works

A

A numerical measure of the strength and direction of the relationship between variables - it is between -1 and +1
-1 represents a perfect negative correlation and a +1 is a perfect positive correlation

8
Q

Explain the difference between an experiment and a correlation

A

An experiment shows cause and effect - a correlation doesn’t

Extraneous variables are controlled in an experiment where as correlations don’t control extraneous variables

An experiment manipulates an IV where as a correlation doesn’t

An experiment shows the difference between two variables where as a correlation shows a relationship between two factors

9
Q

What are the strengths of a correlation?

A
  • Provides a precise quantifiable measure of how two variables are related
  • May suggest ideas for future research
  • Starting point to assess possible patterns between variables before committing to an experimental study
  • Quick and economical - data is often pre-existing
  • More ethical as there’s no manipulation of variables (correlation studies don’t have the issues concerning the right to withdraw, consent etc)
10
Q

What are the limitations of correlations?

A
  • Lack of control of extraneous variables - they only tell us that the variables are related not WHY
  • Cannot demonstrate cause and effect
  • It may be that a 3rd variable/intervening variable has caused the relationship between the co-variables