Correlational Research
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ScribdTranslationsCorrelational Research
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsCorrelational Research
Maria Fernanda Forero
Daniel Mauricio Ruiz Gomez
John Steven Mendoza
Christian Mosquera
Carlos Andres Riaño
Carlos Daniel Ospina
Definition
^ The term correlation is defined as the relationship between two variables.
^ Correlational research is a type of non-experimental research in which researchers
measure two variables and establish a statistical relationship between them
(correlation).
^ There are two main reasons why researchers are interested in these statistical
relationships between variables.
^ 1. They do not believe that the relationship between these variables is accidental.
^ 2. This type of research is conducted instead of experimentation, it is by the causal
statistical relationship between the variables.
Characteristics
^ Correlational research consists of looking for various variables that interact with
each other, in this way when a change is evident in one of them, it can be
assumed how the change will be in the other that is directly related to it.
^ Correlational research is based on numerous statistical tests that indicate
correlation coefficients between variables. These coefficients are represented
numerically to indicate the strength and direction of a relationship.
^ The most important characteristic of correlational research is that the two variables
treated are measured (without being manipulated) and the results are true
regardless of the type of variable (quantitative or categorical).
1- Natural observation
^ The first of the three types of correlational research is natural observation. In this
way, the researcher observes and records the variables within a natural
environment, without interfering in their course.
^ An example of this could be a classroom. The researcher can analyze the results
and final grades obtained by the students in relation to their level of absenteeism.
^ This type of correlational research can be time consuming and does not always
allow for control over the variables.
2- Surveys and questionnaires
^ Another type of correlational research occurs when surveys and questionnaires are
carried out from which information is collected. Within this type of research, a
random sample or group of participants must be chosen.
^ For example, when you successfully complete a survey about a new product at a
shopping center, you are participating in a research survey for correlational
purposes. This type of survey is used to predict whether or not a product will be
successful.
^ Using surveys within correlational research is often highly convenient, however, if
participants are not honest about it, it can alter the final results of the research in
many ways.
3- Information analysis
^ The last type of correlational research that can be carried out involves analyzing
data previously collected by other researchers. For example, one can consult the
judicial record of a population to predict how crime statistics influence the local
economy.
^ Query files are often freely available as query tools. However, in order to establish a
significant correlational relationship, it is usually necessary to have access to large
amounts of information.
^ Within this type of research, researchers have no control over the type of
information that has been recorded.
Examples
^ Ice cream truck
A good way to explain how correlational research works would be to think of an ice cream
cart. In this way, a person can learn to recognize the particular sound of an ice cream
truck, being able to perceive it from a distance.
As the sound of the truck gets louder, the person is able to recognize that the truck is
closer.
In this way, variable A would be the sound of the truck and variable B would be the
distance at which the truck is located. In this example, the correlation is positive, meaning
that the louder the truck becomes, the closer the distance will be.
If we had different truck sounds, an individual would be able to recognize them all and
relate them to different variables.