Correlational Research and the Correlation Coefficient

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to correlational research and correlation coefficients, as discussed in the lecture.

Correlation

The relationship or association between two variables (X and Y).

Spurious Correlation

Correlations that have no real link, often mistakenly believed to be causal relationships.

Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r)

A measure of the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

Positive Correlation

When scores on X go up, scores on Y also go up.

Negative Correlation

When scores on X go up, scores on Y go down.

Scatter Plot

A figure in which individual data points are plotted in two-dimensional space, showing the relationship between X and Y.

Line of Best Fit

A straight line drawn through data points in a scatter plot, depicting the relationship of X and Y.

Linear Relationship

A situation in which the best-fitting regression line is a straight line.

Nonlinearity

When a straight line does not best fit the data; often leads to reduced correlation values.

Correlational Research

A type of research that involves measuring two variables and assessing the relationship between them.

Third Variable Problem

The issue that an observed relationship between two variables may be caused by a third variable.

Point Biserial Correlation

A correlation coefficient used when one variable is dichotomous and the other is continuous.

Spearman's Correlation Coefficient

A measure of correlation for ranked data, interpreting relationships in terms of order rather than magnitude.

Heterogeneous Sub-Samples

When data is divided into distinct subsets which may affect the overall correlation measured.

Restriction of Range

Limitations in the range of values for X and Y that can affect the correlation coefficient.