5 correlations

what is a correlation

a way of establishing where there is a relationship between two variables

shows negative (increases, decreases)

shows positive (increase inc)

difference between correlations & experiments

correlation examines a relationship between two variables without manipulating them, meaning theres no causation

while experiments involve manipulating one IV to observe their effect on a DV, while controlling other variables. this allows RSers to establish cause and effect relationships

strength of correlations

• can be used as a starting point to assess the relationship between variables before committing to an experimental study

• allows researchers able to find relationship between variables that would be unethical and difficult to experiment on

• quite quick and economical as it is conducting on secondary data

weakness of correlation

• dont provide evidence of a cause and effect relationship, we cant conclude

• it may be another variable that cause the relationship between two variables - third variable problem

• can tell us direction and strength of relationship, but cant tell us why the variables are related