2.6 Correlational Research

A collection of flashcards focusing on key terms and definitions related to research designs.

cause-and-effect relationship

Changes in one variable cause the changes in the other variable; can be determined only through an experimental research design.

confirmation bias

Tendency to ignore evidence that disproves ideas or beliefs.

confounding variable

Unanticipated outside factor that affects both variables of interest, giving a false impression that changes in one variable cause changes in the other when, in actuality, the outside factor causes changes in both.

correlation

The relationship between two or more variables; when two variables are correlated, one variable changes as the other does.

correlation coefficient

Number from -1 to +1, indicating the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, usually represented by r.

negative correlation

Two variables change in different directions; one becomes larger as the other becomes smaller; not the same as no correlation.

positive correlation

Two variables change in the same direction; both variables either become larger or smaller.