Correlational Research Overview

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Questions and Answers

What defines correlational research?

  • It collects qualitative data from participants to explore phenomena.
  • It focuses on experimental changes in one variable.
  • It determines the causal relationships between variables.
  • It describes an existing condition and relationships between quantifiable variables. (correct)

How is the degree of relation between variables expressed in correlational research?

  • As an average score.
  • As a correlation coefficient. (correct)
  • As a coefficient of determination.
  • As a standard deviation.

What is the minimally acceptable sample size for a correlational study?

  • 20 participants.
  • 10 participants.
  • 30 participants. (correct)
  • 50 participants.

What is the main purpose of conducting correlational research?

<p>To determine the relationship between variables and make predictions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a discouraged practice in correlational research?

<p>Conducting exploratory correlations with many variables without a hypothesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does validity and reliability play in correlational research?

<p>Higher validity and reliability allow for smaller samples and accurate correlations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pairs of variables might typically be examined in correlational research?

<p>Height and shoe size. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a larger sample size sometimes required in correlational studies?

<p>If the validity and reliability of measures are low to minimize errors in measurement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the correlation coefficient derived from a test of math computational skill and a test of physics achievement?

<p>It only reflects one aspect of mathematical achievement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a correlational research design?

<p>To collect paired scores for correlation analysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about high correlation between two variables is true?

<p>It indicates a strong predictive relationship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When researchers find variables that are not highly related to a complex variable, what action should they take?

<p>Drop them from further investigation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a high correlation allow researchers to do?

<p>Make accurate predictions based on the relationship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of concurrent validity?

<p>Correlating a new test's scores with students' GPAs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does test-retest reliability measure?

<p>Consistency of a test's scores over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about correlational studies?

<p>They can determine the nature of causal relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that describes the strength and direction of the relationship between two or more variables.

Correlational Research

A type of research that investigates the relationship between two or more variables, aiming to determine if and how they are related.

Relationship Study

A study that aims to identify the relationship between variables without trying to establish cause and effect.

Prediction Study

A study that uses established relationships between variables to predict future outcomes.

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Participant Selection

The process of choosing the participants for your research, making sure they represent the population you want to study.

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Instrument Selection

The tools or instruments you use to measure the variables in your research, ensuring they accurately capture what you want to study.

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Validity

The extent to which a measurement tool accurately reflects the true value of the variable it is supposed to measure.

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Reliability

The consistency and reliability of a measurement tool, ensuring consistent results when measuring the same thing repeatedly.

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Causal Correlation

A correlation that suggests that changes in one variable cause changes in another. For example, if there is a strong correlation between hours of study and exam scores, it might be assumed that more study time causes higher scores.

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Non-Causal Correlation

A type of correlation that does not demonstrate causation. It suggests that two variables are related but doesn't imply that one causes the other. For example, a correlation between ice cream sales and crime rates doesn't necessarily mean ice cream causes crime.

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Prediction in Correlational Research

In correlational research, the strength of the relationship between variables allows for predictions. For example, high school GPA can be used to predict college GPA.

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Concurrent Validity

A type of validity that examines the relationship between scores on a new test or measure and scores on an established test or criterion. For example, a new test of math skills could be compared to student grades in a math course.

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Study Notes

Correlational Research Overview

  • Correlational research describes existing conditions, different from survey or observational studies.
  • It aims to find relationships between quantifiable variables, expressed as correlation coefficients.
  • Related variables show scores within certain ranges associated with each other (e.g., high intelligence scores linked with high grades).
  • Studies can aim to determine relationships or make predictions.
  • Focusing on specific variables linked to a complex variable is recommended, avoiding broad, unfocused studies.

Participant and Instrument Selection

  • Acceptable sampling methods are crucial for a correlational study, with sample sizes generally needing at least 30 participants.
  • Higher validity and reliability of variables mean a smaller sample size is acceptable, but never less than 30.
  • Accurate measurements for variables investigated are essential, as inaccurate instruments produce inaccurate correlation coefficients.
  • Example: Measuring math computational skill alone might not be a truly accurate reflection of overall math achievement when correlating with physics grades.

Design and Procedure

  • Correlational research involves collecting scores across two or more variables for each participant.
  • Results are expressed as correlation coefficients which indicate the degree of relation between variables.
  • Studies can involve complex statistical procedures beyond two variables.

Interpreting Results

  • High correlation does not imply causality. (e.g., high self-concept doesn't cause high achievement, or vice-versa)
  • Correlations allow for predictions (e.g., high high school GPA predicts high college GPA).
  • Higher correlation values mean a stronger relationship and more accurate predictions.
  • Correlational studies are used for determining various types of validity and reliability (e.g., concurrent validity, test-retest reliability).

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