Questions and Answers
In a correlational study, the variable that is used to predict the outcome variable is called the ___________ variable.
predictor
In a correlational study, the variable that is predicted by the predictor variable is called the ___________ variable.
outcome
Correlational studies are not well-suited for answering _________ research questions.
causal research questions
When a variable that is not of interest in a study may explain the results of a study this is called:
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Suppose that a researcher found that as introversion (as measured on a standardized questionnaire) of participants goes up, the number of social activities attended per week decreases. This finding represents:
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Which of the following represents the correlational research design?
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Correlational studies are designed to examine relationships between measured variables.
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In ____________ studies, researchers examine two or more measures to determine if those measures are related.
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Analyses that allow predictions include:
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A correlational study can or cannot__ provide causal information about the relationship between the measures;
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Most of the research showing a link between smoking and long-term health in humans has involved _____________ studies.
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In many studies related to ___________, for example, correlational studies are the only options because we cannot subject someone to factors that may make them unhealthy for ethical reasons.
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A positive relationship between variables is characterized by a/an ______________ in one variable that occurs with a/an _______________ in the other variable.
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A negative relationship between variables is characterized by a/an _____________ in one variable that occurs with a/an ______________ in the other variable.
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Strong _________ correlations between age and incidence of Alzheimer's disease have been found.
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Important information can be gained from correlational studies about the likelihood of an event based on the relationship with another event, but this relationship may or may not be ____________.
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A research question that asks about the presence of behavior, how frequently it is exhibited, or whether there is a relationship between different behaviors is a ___________ research question.
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A research question that asks if one behavior can be predicted from another behavior to allow predictions of future behavior is a ___________ research question.
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Correlation equals causation.
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No groups of subjects are compared in a correlational study as they are in _________ experiments.
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In correlational research, multiple measures are collected from _______ group(s) of subjects to determine if those measures co-vary.
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Whenever a strong relationship exists between variables, prediction of one variable from other variables ___________.
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Study Notes
Key Concepts of Correlational Studies
- Predictor Variable: The variable used to predict the outcome variable in a correlational study.
- Outcome Variable: The variable that is predicted by the predictor variable in a correlational study.
- Causal Research Questions: Correlational studies are not designed to answer causal research questions.
- Third Variable Problem: When an irrelevant variable may explain the results of a study.
Types of Relationships
- Negative Relationship: Observed when an increase in introversion correlates with a decrease in social activities, indicating participants with higher introversion attend fewer social events.
- Positive Relationship: Characterized by an increase in one variable coinciding with an increase in another variable.
Research Design
- Correlational Design: Examined by looking at relationships between measured variables; examples include handedness questionnaires and their relationship to cognitive task performance.
- Descriptive Research Questions: Focus on the presence, frequency, or relationships between behaviors.
- Predictive Research Questions: Explore if one behavior can predict another to enable future behavior predictions.
Analysis and Prediction
- Regressions: Analyses that enable prediction based on the relationship between variables.
- Causation vs. Correlation: A correlational study cannot provide causal information; correlation does not imply causation.
Correlational Studies in Health Research
- Correlational studies are often the only ethical option in health research, as controlling harmful factors is not feasible.
- Strong positive correlations exist between age and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, with a 50% chance of developing it by age 85.
Group Comparisons
- In correlational studies, no groups are compared as seen in quasi-experimental designs; multiple measures are taken from one group of subjects.
- Prediction of one variable from another is possible when a strong relationship exists between the variables.
Important Points
- Causal relationships may or may not exist despite observed correlations.
- False assumption: Correlation equals causation.
Application of Findings
- Insight gained from correlational studies regarding relationships can help predict the likelihood of events, although direct causal connections cannot be established.
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Test your knowledge on correlational studies with this exam flashcard set. Each card covers key terms and definitions that are essential for understanding this research method. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding before the exam!
