Scribd
Upload
34 views

Paper 1 - Research Methods - Correlational Studies

This document discusses correlations in psychology research. It defines a correlation as a measure of the relationship between two variables, where a change in one variable is associated with a change in the other. While a strong correlation indicates a relationship, it does not prove that one variable causes the other. The document outlines different types of correlations from strong positive to weak negative and no correlation. It also discusses how to design a correlational study, the strengths and weaknesses of this research method, and how to write hypotheses for a correlational study.

Uploaded by

zatooni1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
34 views

Paper 1 - Research Methods - Correlational Studies

This document discusses correlations in psychology research. It defines a correlation as a measure of the relationship between two variables, where a change in one variable is associated with a change in the other. While a strong correlation indicates a relationship, it does not prove that one variable causes the other. The document outlines different types of correlations from strong positive to weak negative and no correlation. It also discusses how to design a correlational study, the strengths and weaknesses of this research method, and how to write hypotheses for a correlational study.

Uploaded by

zatooni1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

OCR Psychology A-level

Paper 1: Research Methods


Correlations
CORRELATION:
A measure of the strength of a relationship between two variables.

● A correlation refers to how strongly two variables, for example, height and hand span,
are related to each other - as one variable changes, the other changes in a
predictable manner.
● A perfect correlation however does not mean causation!
● A correlation of exactly -1 or +1 instead means that there is definitely a relationship
between the variables, such that as one changes, the other must change in such a
manner. However, this does not mean that one of the variables is ​causing​ the
change, only that they are ​definitely related.
● There is no independent or dependent variable in a correlational study - instead, the
variables being researched are called ​“covariables”​ (co-occurring variables).
● Because of the fact we are not manipulating any variables, we cannot establish
cause and effect, even with a perfect correlation coefficient.

Gathering data to conduct a correlational study is very similar to an experiment - self report
techniques like questionnaires, interviews and tests can be used to find relationships with
other types of data too, such as experimental data.

Strong Positive Correlation

As one variables increases, the other also


increases.
The dots plotted are all close to the line,
making the correlation strong.

Correlation Coefficient:​ between +0.5 and


+0.9

Weak Negative Correlation

As one variable increases, the other


decreases.
The dots plotted are more spread out about
the line, meaning the correlation is quite
weak.

Correlation Coefficient:​ between -0.1 and


-0.4
Perfect Positive Correlation

As one variable increases, the other


variable increases proportionally.
This does not mean that variable one
caused the change in variable two, but they
are definitely linked.

Correlation Coefficient:​ +1

No Correlation

There is no relationship between the


variables.

Correlation Coefficient:​ 0

Mathematical calculations can be performed on data to establish a Correlation Coefficient.


This value is an indicator of the strength of the relationship and can be used to interpret the
data in an accurate and standardised manner.

Hypotheses
● As correlations cannot show cause and effect, when writing a hypothesis do not use
the word “effect” as this is incorrect.
● Instead, declare that there will be a relationship between the two variables, as this is
what a correlational study aims to determine.
● It is still important to operationalise the co-variables (make it clear how you will
measure each one in the study).

Strengths of Correlations Weaknesses of Correlations

Correlations allow you to research variables No matter how strong the relationship, a
that are too complicated or unethical to correlational study can never establish
manipulate to establish the relationship cause and effect. This is less useful as it
between the two. only shows the relationship between what is
being studied, and not the actual causes.
This means there are less useful
applications from the research.

If a very strong correlation is found, further Correlations require further research into
research can be done to establish cause other variables to find cause.
and effect, which may involve researching
another outside variable. This means
correlational studies are very useful for
scientific research.

Correlations can be quite easy to conduct Correlations are often used in a misleading
as secondary data can often be used. fashion when published by media in cases
where correlations are found, and are
published as causations.

You might also like