Understanding Correlations

Correlation illustrates:

• the relationship between two variables

• the cause of an event

• the outcome of an experiment

• the process of data collection

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

• More caffeine consumption leads to higher anxiety levels.

• More caffeine consumption leads to less sleep.

• More caffeine consumption leads to seeing more dogs.

In an experiment, the researcher controls or manipulates:

• the dependent variable

• the independent variable

• the control group

• the sample size

True or False: In a correlation, it is possible to establish cause and effect between variables.

• True

• False

One strength of using correlations in research is:

• It allows for the determination of cause and effect.

• It can identify relationships between variables.

• It provides qualitative data.

• It eliminates all confounding variables.

Correlations are considered a useful preliminary tool for research because:

• they provide definitive proof of causation.

• they help identify relationships between variables.

• they are always accurate and reliable.

• they eliminate the need for further research.

A limitation of correlations in research is:

• They can establish causation.

• They are always reliable.

• They can only show relationships, not causation.

• They require large sample sizes.

Correlations can demonstrate cause and effect between variables.

• True

• False