correlations: positive, negative and zero

what is a correlation?

-simply 2 co-variables being measured

-no manipulation of one variable and therefore not possible to establish cause and effect between one co-variable an another

-even if we found positive correlation between caffein/ anxiety, we cannot assume caffeine is the cause

→ people may be anxious for all sorts of reasons and the influence of other variables cannot be disregarded- intervening variables (third factor)

what is an experiment?

-researcher controls/manipulates the IV to measure effect on DV

-we can infer that IV causes change in DV (causation)

correlation: strengths

-provides precise and quantifiable measure of how two co-variables are related

-suggest a starting point for future research because you can assess patterns before committing to research

-relatively easy and quick to carry out (less time consuming)

→ no need for controlled environment or manipulation of variables

-sometimes its the only ethical way to investigate an issue (cancer/smoking)(suicide/depression), you cant put people at risk of health issues or create dperession

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