Questions and Answers
What is correlational research?
The relationship between two events or variables, where one variable is measured and its statistical relationship to another variable is determined.
Does correlation establish causation?
False
What is the third variable problem?
An interpretive problem where a third variable (Z) is responsible for what looks like a relationship between two other variables (X and Y).
What does the correlation coefficient indicate?
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A positive correlation indicates higher scores in one variable are associated with lower scores in another variable.
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What is a negative correlation?
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What do experiments allow researchers to research?
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What is the independent variable?
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What is the dependent variable?
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What is the experimental group?
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What is a control group?
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What is a between groups design?
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What is random assignment?
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What is repeated measures design?
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What does counterbalancing do?
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What is confounding of variables?
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What is the placebo effect?
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What are experimenter expectancy effects?
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What is a double blind procedure?
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Study Notes
Correlational Research
- Examines the relationship between two variables or events without implying causation.
- Researcher measures one variable (e.g., birth order) and a second variable (e.g., personality trait) to determine statistical relation.
- Advantages include the ability to identify real-world correlations and study ethically challenging questions.
- Limitations prevent establishing causal conclusions from correlational data.
Causation and Correlation
- Correlation does not imply causation; an underlying reason could explain observed relationships.
Third Variable Problem
- This concept suggests a third variable (Z) influences both variables (X and Y), leading to erroneous interpretations of the relationship between them.
Correlation Coefficient
- A statistical measure indicating the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.
- Values range from +1.00 (strong positive correlation) to -1.00 (strong negative correlation).
Positive Correlation
- Indicates that higher values of one variable are associated with higher values of a second variable.
Negative Correlation
- Suggests that higher values of one variable correlate with lower values of a second variable.
Experiments
- Allow examination of cause and effect relationships through manipulation of variables.
- Researchers control extraneous factors to isolate the effects of the manipulated variable.
Variables in Experiments
- Independent Variable: The factor manipulated by the researcher.
- Dependent Variable: The outcome measured as a result of manipulation.
Experimental and Control Groups
- Experimental Group: Participants who receive the treatment or manipulation.
- Control Group: Participants who do not receive the treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison.
Between Groups Design
- Involves two equally representative groups formed through random assignment to balance out differences among participants.
Random Assignment
- Each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, ensuring randomness and validity.
Repeated Measures
- Also known as a within-subjects design, where each participant experiences all conditions of the independent variable.
Counterbalancing
- Varies the order of conditions to prevent any one condition from having a performance advantage over others.
Confounding of Variables
- Occurs when two variables are intertwined preventing the determination of their individual effects on a dependent variable, complicating causation analysis.
Placebo Effect
- Behavioral change can occur in participants due to their expectations of treatment, regardless of actual treatment received.
Experimenter Expectancy Effects
- Subtle and unintentional influences from researchers that can lead participants to respond in ways that align with the researcher’s hypotheses.
Double-Blind Procedure
- An experimental design where both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments, reducing bias and subjective influence in results.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of correlational research, including the relationship between variables, correlation coefficients, and the implications of causation. Understand the limitations and advantages of this method, as well as the potential pitfalls such as the third variable problem. Perfect for students studying psychology and research methods.
