Research Methods P5 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is a correlation?
Form of analysis to see the extent to which 2 different variables are ‘related’
Why do correlations differ to other research methods studied?
Two covariables that are both measured rather than there being an IV that changes to see if has effect on DV
What do both variables being measured must come from?
The same ppts
What is a positive correlation?
As variable 1 increases, variable 2 increases
R= +1
What is a negative correlation?
As variable 1 increases, variable 2 decreases
R= -1
How are correlations presented?
Scatter graphs
Which axis is which on a correlational scatter graph?
one co-variable on x-axis (horizontal)
other co-variable on y-axis (vertical
How can you tell if a correlation has a strong relationship?
How closely the points fall together
What must a correlation hypothesis include?
Both variables that the correlation is testing
What is a directional hypothesis?
If relationship is positive or negative
What is a nondirectional hypothesis?
‘There will be a relationship between…’
How do correlations help to investigate unethical situations?
P= Help investigate unethical situations
E= Unethical to harm ppts
E= Some investigations not ethical to carry out experimentally (smoking to see if cancer occurs)
Why are correlations good in leading to new research?
P= New research used as starting point before committing to experimental study
E= Carried out with relative ease + input from researcher
E= Decide if new research should be generated
Why do correlations control for participant variables?
P= Control for participant variables
E= Both data sets come from same person
E= Natural control over any individual differences between ppts (good validity)
Why do correlations not infer causation?
P= Not infer causation (can’t establish C+E)
E= Correlations tell us relationship between variables
E= Can’t tell us if one variable causes the other
Why do correlations have validity issues?
P= Validity issues
E= Might be another untested variable impacting relationship (3rd variable problem)
E= Invalid conclusions could be made that relationship exists, but influenced by something else
