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CORRELATIONS - Coggle Diagram
CORRELATIONS
What is a correlation?
- A relationship between two variables
- Checks to see if two sets of numbers are related; in other words, are the two sets of numbers corresponding in some way.
Correlational design
- In a correlational design, there are no independent or dependant variables, but co-variables
- Participant provides data for both variables
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Correlation coefficient
- The correlation coefficient is measured from -1 to 1
- A correlation can be positive, negative or no correlation. The larger the number, the stronger the correlation
Positive correlation
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- For example, the taller a person is, the heavier they are likely to be
- As one variable increases, the other also increases
Negative correlation
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- For example, the more alcohol you drink, the less you are able to remember
- As one variable increases, the other decreases
No correlation
- There is no relationship between the variables
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- For example, shoe size + IQ
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Strengths
- Correlations are very useful as a preliminary research technique, allowing researchers to identify a link that can be further investigated through more controlled research.
- Can be used to research topics that are sensitive/ otherwise would be unethical, as no deliberate manipulation of variables is required.
Weaknesses
- Correlations only identify a link; they do not identify which variable causes which. There might be a third variable present which is influencing one of the co-variables, which is not considered.
- Eg. stress might lead to smoking/ alcohol intake which leads to illness, so there is an indirect relationship between stress and illness.