Correlations

Question 1

what does a correlation illustrate?

Answer 1

• the strength and direction of an association between two or more co-variables

Question 2

what are the types of correlations?

Answer 2

• positive correlation
• negative correlation
• zero correlation

Question 3

what is a positive correlation?

Answer 3

as one co variable increases the other co variable also increases

Question 4

what is a negative correlation?

Answer 4

as one co variable increases the other co variable decreases

Question 5

what is a zero correlation?

Answer 5

no relationship between the two co variables

Question 6

what is the difference between correlations and experiments?

Answer 6

• in experiments the researcher controls or manipulates the IV to measure its effect on the DV
• in correlations there is no manipulation of variables and it’s not possible to establish cause and effect

Question 7

what are strengths of correlations?

Answer 7

• they provide a precise and quantifiable measure of how two variables are related
• used as a starting point before experimental study
• relatively quick and economical

Question 8

what are limitations of correlations?

Answer 8

• studies only tell us how variables are related but not why
• cannot demonstrate cause and effect
• correlations can occasionally be misused or misinterpreted