Correlational Research and Homelessness Analysis

Correlational Research

Examines relationships between variables without manipulation.

Surveys

Commonly used method in correlational research.

Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation does not imply one variable causes another.

Internal Consistency Reliability

Degree items in a scale are related.

Cronbach's Alpha

Measures average correlation among scale items.

Test-Retest Reliability

Stability of a measure over time.

Alternative-Form Reliability

Correlation between different versions of a measure.

Inter-Rater Reliability

Agreement between two observers on behavior.

Kappa Coefficient

Adjusts agreement for base rates of behaviors.

Face Validity

Measure appears to assess intended variable.

Content Validity

Comprehensive range of content about target variable.

Construct Validity

Extent of measuring desired construct accurately.

Convergent Validity

Correlates with measures as expected.

Discriminant Validity

Does not correlate with unrelated measures.

Criterion Validity

Relates to specific outcome of behavior.

Concurrent Validity

Corresponds to existing outcome or behavior.

Predictive Validity

Predicts future outcomes based on measurement.

Correlation Coefficient

Indicates strength and direction of variable association.

Pearson r

Measures correlation, ranging from -1 to +1.

Scatter Plots

Visual representation of correlation between variables.

Point-Biserial Correlation

One variable is continuous, other is dichotomous.

Dummy Coding

Quantifies categorical variables with numerical values.

Phi Coefficient

Used for correlation between two dichotomous variables.

Sophisticated Correlational Statistics

Includes ANOVA, regression, factor analysis, etc.

Census-Style Counts

Expensive method often underestimating true numbers.

Service Utilization

Estimates homelessness via shelter bed counts.

Household Survey Method

Estimates lifetime prevalence but excludes certain groups.

Initial Large National Surveys

Obtained representative samples of households with telephones.

Toro Research

Focuses on age differences among homeless individuals.

Substance Use Disorder

Examines link between substance abuse and homelessness.