Correlations | Psychology

Correlation Definition

Researcher(s) investigate the relationship between two variables without manipulation and examine the relationship’s strength and direction.

Correlation Evaluation

+ Less Control —> Higher Ecological Validity
+ Clear Relationship
+ Allows Predictions
+ Used for unethical situations or where it’s impractical to manipulate variables.
- Third Variable Problem
- Can’t Draw Cause-and-Effect Relationship
- Bidirectional Ambiguity

Third Variable Problem

An outside variable that influences both variables measured in the correlation to change.

Bidirectional Ambiguity

Not certain if it was y that caused x to change, or vice-versa.

Positive Correlation

As x increases, y increases.

Negative Correlation

As one variable increases, the other decreases.