correlations

what is a correlation?

the extent to which two variables are related. they can be positive, negative or zero

what is a strength of correlations?

it allows researchers to investigate variables which may be difficult to test otherwise.

showing a relationship that could become a starting point to base an experiment on

what is a weakness of correlation?

it only shows a relationship rather than any causation

not a true experiment as there is no manipulation of the IV

what are correlation coefficients?

psychologists use the statistic correlation coefficient to measure the strength of a correlation

what do correlation coefficients range between?

\-1.0 (perfect negative) and +1.0 (perfect positive)

what is the difference between a correlation and an experiment?

correlation - identifies variables and looks for a relationship between them

experiment - tests the effect that an independent variable has on a dependent variable