Determining the relationship between two or more variables.
Correlational studies are non-experimental, which means that the experimenter does not manipulate or control any of the variables.
A correlation refers to a relationship between two variables.Correlations can be strong or weakand positive or negative.
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Sometimes, there is no correlation.
It can range from 1.00 (negative) to +1.00 (positive).
A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates no correlation.
The method is also useful if researchers are unable to perform an experiment.
In other words, correlational studies cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships.
Each pop in has its own purpose, as well as its pros and cons.
Inspiration can then be drawn from the observations to inform future avenues of research.
Naturalistic observation presents several challenges for researchers.
For example, study subjects might act differently if they know that they are being watched.
Surveys
Surveys and questionnaires are some of the most common methods used for psychological research.
Random sampling is vital to the generalizability of a survey’s results.
Survey data might be cost-efficient and easy to get, but it has its downsides.
Data is also affected by specific faults, such as unrepresented or underrepresentedsamples.
The use of surveys relies on participants to provide useful data.
For example, some people might struggle to understand the questions.
Sometimes, respondents might not even realize that their answers are incorrect or misleading because ofmistaken memories.
That said, using historical records or information that was collected a long time ago also presents challenges.
Potential Pitfalls
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “correlation does not equal causation.”
However, the study cannot show that academic success changes a person’s self-esteem.
If the study involves the systematic manipulation of the levels of a variable, it is an experimental study.
If researchers are measuring what is already present without actually changing the variables, then is a correlational study.
The variables in a correlational study are what the researcher measures.
Such research can also often serve as a jumping off point for future experimental research.
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