Discussion
Correlation Research
Correlational Research
Correlational research is a type of research method that involves observing two variables in order to establish a statistically corresponding relationship between them. The aim of correlational research is to identify variables that have some sort of relationship do the extent that a change in one creates some change in the other.
This type of research is descriptive, unlike experimental research that relies entirely on scientific methodology and hypothesis. For example, correlational research may reveal the statistical relationship between high-income earners and relocation; that is, the more people earn, the more likely they are to relocate or not.
Correlational Research
The correlation coefficient is a decimal between +1.0 and –1.0. The sign (+ or –) preceding the coefficient shows whether the correlation is positive or negative. A positive correlation shows that high scores on one variable are paired with high scores on the other variable.
Conversely, low scores on one variable are paired with low scores on the other variable.
To judge the strength or size of the correlation, consider the actual
number of the correlation coefficient (0.63) and the p value (<0.05).
The closer the coefficient is to either +1.0 or –1.0, the higher or stronger
the correlation. The closer the coefficient is to zero, the lower or weaker
the correlation. The direction of the relationship does not affect the
strength of the relationship. A correlation of –0.85 is just as high or
strong as +0.85. The following categories show the strength of the
correlation coefficients:
0.90 to 0.99: Very high
0.70 to 0.89: High
0.50 to 0.69: Moderate
0.26 to 0.49: Low
0.00 to 0.25: Little, if any
Types of Correlational Research
Positive correlational research is a research method involving 2 variables that are statistically corresponding where an increase or decrease in 1 variable creates a like change in the other. An example is when an increase in workers' remuneration results in an increase in the prices of goods and services and vice versa.
Negative correlational research is a research method involving 2 variables that are statistically opposite where an increase in one of the variables creates an alternate effect or decrease in the other variable. An example of a negative correlation is if the rise in goods and services causes a decrease in demand and vice versa.
Zero correlational research is a type of correlational research that involves 2 variables that are not necessarily statistically connected. In this case, a change in one of the variables may not trigger a corresponding or alternate change in the other variable.
Zero correlational research caters for variables with vague statistical relationships. For example, wealth and patience can be variables under zero correlational research because they are statistically independent.
Sporadic change patterns that occur in variables with zero correlational are usually by chance and not as a result of corresponding or alternate mutual inclusiveness.
Correlational research can also be classified based on data collection methods. Based on these, there are 3 types of correlational research: Naturalistic observation research, survey research and archival research.
Data Collection Methods in Correlational research
Naturalistic observation is a correlational research methodology that involves observing people's behaviors as shown in the natural environment where they exist, over a period of time. It is a type of research-field method that involves the researcher paying closing attention to natural behavior patterns of the subjects under consideration.
This method is extremely demanding as the researcher must take extra care to ensure that the subjects do not suspect that they are being observed else they deviate from their natural behavior patterns. It is best for all subjects under observation to remain anonymous in order to avoid a breach of privacy.
The major advantages of the naturalistic observation method are that it allows the researcher to fully observe the subjects (variables) in their natural state.
Archival data is a type of correlational research method that involves making use of already gathered information about the variables in correlational research. Since this method involves using data that is already gathered and analyzed, it is usually straight to the point.
For this method of correlational research, the research makes use of earlier studies conducted by other researchers or the historical records of the variables being analyzed. This method helps a researcher to track already determined statistical patterns of the variables or subjects. This method is less expensive, saves time and provides the researcher with more disposable data to work with.
The survey method is the most common method of correlational research; especially in fields like psychology. It involves random sampling of the variables or the subjects in the research in which the participants fill a questionnaire centered on the subjects of interest.
This method is very flexible as researchers can gather large amounts of data in very little time. However, it is subject to survey response bias and can also be affected by biased survey questions or under-representation of survey respondents or participants.
Examples of Correlational Research
Correlational research examples are numerous and highlight several instances where a correlational study may be carried out in order to determine the statistical behavioral trend with regards to the variables under consideration.
Here are 3 case examples of correlational research.
You want to know if wealthy people are less likely to be patient. From your experience, you believe that wealthy people are impatient. However, you want to establish a statistical pattern that proves or disproves your belief. In this case, you can carry out correlational research to identify a trend that links both variables.
You want to know if there's a correlation between how much people earn and the number of children that they have. You do not believe that people with more spending power have more children than people with less spending power.
You think that how much people earn hardly determines the number of children that they have. Yet, carrying out correlational research on both variables could reveal any correlational relationship that exists between them.
You believe that domestic violence causes a brain hemorrhage. You cannot carry out an experiment as it would be unethical to deliberately subject people to domestic violence.
However, you can carry out correlational research to find out if victims of domestic violence suffer brain hemorrhage more than non-victims.