Correlation and Research Methods Concepts

This video tutorial covers research methods in AP Psychology, focusing on correlations, scatter plots, and correlation coefficients. It explains the difference between correlation and causation, and introduces descriptive, observational, and quasi-experimental research methods. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for analyzing psychological data and highlights ethical considerations in research.

What does a positive correlation indicate?

• Both variables increase together

• One variable increases while the other decreases

• Both variables decrease together

• There is no relationship between the variables

Which of the following is an example of a negative correlation?

• The more you eat, the more weight you gain

• The more you study, the higher your grades

• The more you exercise, the more calories you burn

• The more miles you travel, the less gas you have

What does the slope of points in a scatter plot represent?

• The strength of the relationship

• The type of correlation

• The number of variables

• The direction of the relationship

What does a correlation coefficient of 0.78 indicate?

• A weak positive relationship

• A strong negative relationship

• A strong positive relationship

• A weak negative relationship

Why can't correlation determine causation?

• Because it always involves a third variable

• Because it measures the strength of the relationship

• Because it only applies to positive relationships

• Because it only shows the relationship between two variables

What is the main purpose of naturalistic observation?

• To observe behavior in its natural environment

• To manipulate variables in a controlled setting

• To conduct surveys and gather data

• To perform experiments on animals

What is a major limitation of case studies?

• They require a large number of participants

• They are too expensive to conduct

• They always involve unethical practices

• They cannot be generalized to the population

What is a key advantage of using surveys in research?

• They gather large amounts of data efficiently

• They provide detailed information about individual cases

• They allow for manipulation of variables

• They always produce accurate results

What is a quasi-experiment?

• An experiment with random assignment of participants

• A study with no control over variables

• A study that mimics an experiment but lacks random assignment

• An observational study in a natural setting

Why are quasi-experiments often used in research?

• Because they always produce more reliable results

• Because they are easier to conduct than true experiments

• Because they allow research on topics that would be unethical to study otherwise

• Because they do not require any control over variables