Correlations

what is a correlation

A correlation is a statistical way of looking at the relationship or association between two things

Or

Seeing how two variables are related, the direction of the relationship and strength

Non-directional correlation

There will be a correlation between…..

Directional correlation

There will be a positive/negative correlation between…..

What is a positive correlation

A positive correlation occurs as one variable increases so does the other

Negative correlation

As one variable increases, the other decreases

Zero correlation

There is no relationship between co-variables

Correlation numbers

0- zero correlation

0.1-0.3- weak correlation

0.4-0.5- moderate correlation

0.6-0.9- strong correlation

1 perfect correlation

Evaluation ; useful as a primary tool

Correlations are useful as a primary tool this is because they provide a quantifiable measure of how variables ate related. If two variables are strongly correlated this might suggest ideas for later research. Researchers often use correlations as a starting point to assess possible patterns before they commit to an experimental study.

Evaluation; quick and economical

Correlations are quick and economical therefore they are only concerned with assessing the relationship between two co-variables. There is no need for a controlled environment or to manipulate variables. Secondary data can also be used which is less time consuming

Evaluation; cannot demonstrate cause and effect

Due to the lack of experimental manipulation, studies can tell us how variables are related but not why. Therefore establishing the direction of the effect is an issue