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Lesson 7 Correlation and Causal Comparative Studies

Correlational research describes the relationship between two or more quantitative variables without manipulating the variables. It can reveal positive, negative, or no correlation through a correlation coefficient. While quick and allowing more data, it only shows relationships and cannot determine causation. Causal-comparative research compares already existing groups to determine causes or consequences of differences between groups when manipulation is not possible or ethical. Both are associational research that lack manipulation and require caution in interpreting results.

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Lyca Utlang
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15 views

Lesson 7 Correlation and Causal Comparative Studies

Correlational research describes the relationship between two or more quantitative variables without manipulating the variables. It can reveal positive, negative, or no correlation through a correlation coefficient. While quick and allowing more data, it only shows relationships and cannot determine causation. Causal-comparative research compares already existing groups to determine causes or consequences of differences between groups when manipulation is not possible or ethical. Both are associational research that lack manipulation and require caution in interpreting results.

Uploaded by

Lyca Utlang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ASSOCIATIONAL RESEARCH METHODS

CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
WHAT IS CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH?
◼ It is sometimes called associational research because relationships
among two or more variables are being studied without any attempt to
influence them.
◼ It is also sometimes considered as descriptive research because it
describes an existing relationship between variables.
◼ It describes the degree to which two or more quantitative variables are
related, and it does so by the use of a correlation coefficient.
THREE TYPES OF CORRELATIONS
◼ Positive correlation means high scores on one variable tend to be
associated with high scores on the other variable.
◼ Negative correlation means high scores on one variable are
associated with low scores on the other variable.
◼ No correlation means that there is no relationship between the
variables
THREE TYPES OF CORRELATIONS
THREE TYPES OF CORRELATIONS
positive correlation negative correlation no correlation
r = +1.00 r = ‒1.00 r=0
X Y X Y X Y
5 5 5 1 2 1
4 4 4 2 5 2
3 3 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 4 1 4
1 1 1 5 4 5
ADVANTAGES
◼ It allows researchers to collect much more data than experiments.
◼ It is a quick and easy way to see whether or not there is a relationship between
two variables that is worth exploring further.
◼ A correlation coefficient is simple and objective way to see whether or not
there is a relationship between two variables. Expressing it as a precise
number makes it clear and easy to understand.
◼ Because correlational research usually takes place outside of the lab, the
results tend to be more applicable to everyday life.
DISADVANTAGES
◼ It only uncovers a relationship. It cannot provide a
conclusive reason for why there is a relationship. A
correlative finding does not reveal which variable
influences the other.
◼ Correlations can be misused.
CAUSAL‒COMPARATIVE
RESEARCH
WHAT IS CAUSAL‒COMPARATIVE RESEARCH?

◼ This research design attempts to determine the cause or consequences of


difference that already exist between or among groups of individuals.
◼ It is also referred as ex post facto research.
◼ Experimental research creates a difference between or among groups
then compares the difference which has already occurred.
◼ This research method is used when the independent variable cannot be
examined or should not be examined using controlled experiments.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN CAUSAL COMPARATIVE AND CORRELATIONAL

◼ Both are examples of associational research.


◼ Both lack manipulation.
◼ Both require caution in interpreting results because
causation is difficult to infer.
◼ Both can support subsequent experimental research.
◼ Results can lead to testable experimental hypotheses.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CAUSAL COMPARATIVE AND CORRELATIONAL

◼ Compare two groups or more groups of subjects, while


correlational studies require a score on each variable for
each subject.
◼ Correlational studies investigate two quantitative variables,
whereas causal-comparative studies involve at least one
categorical variable(group membership).

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