Correlational Studies in Psychology

Investigate relationships between measured variables.

Continuous variables used in correlational studies.

Indicates the relationship's positive or negative trend.

Indicates how closely variables relate.

Variables that can take on any value within a range.

Correlational research has a higher level of constraint compared to observation and archival studies.

Correlational studies have a narrower focus than observational studies, as they are designed to measure specific, predetermined variables.

Correlational studies offer more control over how variables are measured compared to archival studies.

Correlational studies provide control over when variables are measured, while archival studies rely on existing data.

Correlational studies use standardized procedures to ensure all variables are measured consistently, regardless of who collects the data.

When the way questions are asked influences the answers, leading to inaccurate results.

When the experimenter's presence or actions inadvertently influence the participants' behavior.

The consistency and accuracy of our measurements; how much random error is present.

Using several different questions or indicators to measure the same concept, increasing reliability.

Using technology like online surveys to minimize experimenter influence and increase reliability.

The extent to which a measure accurately reflects the underlying concept it's intended to assess.

A clear and specific description of how a construct is measured in a study.

When participants guess the study's purpose and change their behavior accordingly.

Unrelated questions added to a questionnaire to disguise the true purpose of the study.

Methods for collecting data without participants knowing they are being observed.

A graph that visually displays the relationship between two continuous variables, showing how they change together.

A data point that lies significantly far from other points in a scatterplot, potentially influencing the analysis.

A numerical measure that describes both the direction (positive or negative) and the strength of the linear relationship between two continuous variables.

When the relationship between two variables is such that as one increases, the other also tends to increase.

When the relationship between two variables is such that as one increases, the other tends to decrease.

A person's mental capabilities, including their ability to understand and use information, solve problems, and learn new things. Often measured using tests of numeracy and verbal ability.

Scores transformed to have a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. This allows for meaningful comparisons between different tests or groups.

How much a person values using logic, evidence, and reason to form their beliefs and make decisions.

A tool used to measure how much individuals value rational thinking and evidence in their beliefs and actions.

Acceptance of claims that go beyond known scientific laws, such as ghosts, telekinesis, or astrology.

A research design comparing two or more pre-existing groups on a specific variable, aiming to identify differences between them.

The categorical variable that defines the pre-existing groups being compared.

The variable measured to see if there are differences between the groups.

A question asking if there is a significant difference between two or more groups on a specific variable.

A variable that can take on any value within a range, often used as the dependent variable.

Differential studies have a higher level of constraint compared to observational and archival studies due to their predetermined focus, standardized procedures, and control over how and when variables are measured.

Differential studies aim to minimize or control confounding variables, factors that can influence the results besides the variables of interest.

Differential studies provide more control over how variables are measured compared to archival studies, which rely on pre-existing data.

Differential studies allow researchers to control when variables are measured, while observational studies observe events as they naturally occur.

Differential studies use standardized procedures to ensure that variables are measured consistently across participants, making the results more reliable.

A variable that changes along with the independent variable, potentially affecting the dependent variable, making it hard to determine the true cause-and-effect relationship.

When two variables change together. A confounding variable co-varies with the independent variable.

Confounding variables make it difficult to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions.

Imagine a study testing a new exercise program's effectiveness. If participants in the exercise group also eat healthier diets, we can't be sure if the improvement is due to exercise alone, or the combined effects of both.

Researchers try to control confounding variables by keeping them constant across groups or using statistical methods to account for their influence.

Beliefs that are not based on logic or evidence, often involving conspiracy theories or paranormal phenomena.

The mental skills needed to critically analyze information and identify flawed reasoning.

The personal drive to base beliefs on evidence and logic, rather than intuition or emotion.

People may believe in epistemically suspect ideas due to a lack of critical thinking skills or a lack of motivation to be epistemically rational.

The process of forming beliefs based on logic and evidence, rather than unsupported assumptions.