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Unit 2 - Correlations and observations :star: - Coggle Diagram
Unit 2 - Correlations and observations
:star:
Evaluation of correlations
:check: Quite quick and economical to carry out because there is no need for a controlled environment and no manipulations of variables is required.
:red_cross: correlations don't provide a cause and effect relationship therefore we can't conclude that one variable is causing the other to change. This can sometimes lead to correlations being misinterpreted.
:check: Useful tool of research as they provide a strength and direction of a relationship between variables and can be used as a starting point to assess the relationship between variables before committing to an experimental study
:red_cross: It may also be the case that another untested variable is causing th relationship between the 2 co-variables. This is known as the 3rd variable problem.
Correlations
Positive = Where one co-variable increases and so does the other
Negative = Where one co-variable increases and the other decreases
No correlation= There may be variables that have no relationship ( the dots are scattered everywhere on the graph)
Directional correlational hypothesis= states whether the relationship will be a positive or a negative
Non directional correlational hypotheis= states that there will be a correlation
Observations (reliability and validity)
Structured
= some variables are changed by the researcher
:check: Specific conclusions can be drawn as controlled enviroment allows focus on particular aspects of behavior
:red_cross: Enviroment may feel unnatural and then participants may not behave as they would in everyday life
Naturalistic
= Everything is left as usual
:check: Realistic picture of natural behaviour. This means the results are likely to be high in ecological validity
:red_cross: Observation is more likely to be covert which raises ethical issues.
Non participant
= Observer is not a participant in the behavior being observed
:check: Increased objectivity because of a psychological and also possibly a physical distance
:red_cross: Reduces validity because the observer may misinterpret the communications within the group since they are a outsider.
Participant
= Observer is a participant in the behavior being observed.
:check: Likely to provide special insight into the behavior. The participant has greater familiarity with what is likely to happen.
:red_cross: More difficult ro record and monitor behavior unobtrusively if the observer is part of the group being observed.
Observation continuation
Overt
= participant is aware they are being observed
:check: Avoids lack of informed consent as participants can decide if they want to withdraw or not
:red_cross: Demand characteristic as they know they are being observed
Covert
= Observation made without a participants knowledge
:check: They behave more naturally
:red_cross: Raises ethical issues about observing people without their knowledge