Correlations

Correlation: A mathematical technique in which a researcher investigates an association between two variables, called co-variables. They are plotted on a scattergram.

Co-Variables: The variables investigated within a correlation. They are not referred to as the independent and dependent variables because a correlation investigates the association between the variables rather than a cause-and-effect relationship.

Positive Correlation: As one co-variable increases so does the other

Negative Correlation: As one co-variables increases the other decreases.

Zero Correlation: When there is no relationship between the co-variables.

Strengths: by assessing the strength and direction of a relationship, they provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how two variables are related which may suggest ideas for possible future research. They’re also quick and economical to carry out and there is no need for a controlled environment and no manipulation of variables is required.

Limitations: Correlations don’t equal causation and they can’t tell us why things are related. There could also be another untested variable that causes the relationship between the co-variables being tested (third variable problem). Because of this, correlations can occasionally be misused or misinterpreted.