Correlations

What are correlations?

Illustrates the strength and direction of an association between two co-variables

What does a positive correlation look like?

As one increases, so does the other

What does a negative correlation look like?

As one increases, the other falls

What does no correlation look like?

No relationship between the variables

What is the difference between correlations and experiments?

• In an experiment the researcher manipulates the IV to measure the effect on the DV → cause and effect (IV caused any change to the DV)

• No manipulation in correlations, therefore no cause-and-effect can be established.

What are the strengths of correlations?

• Provides a quantifiable and precise measure of how two variables are related.

• May stimulate further research → starting point to assess potential patterns.

• Quick and economical - secondary data can be used

What are the limitations of correlations?

• No cause-and-effect

• Another untested variable could be causing the relationship - intervening variable.

• Largely misused/interpreted