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Correlational Research vs. Descriptive Research
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Correlational Research Vs. Descriptive Research
Psychologists use various research designs. Correlational research and descriptive
research are among the common designs utilized. However, though the two study methods use
non-experimental design they have differences. First, correlation design focuses on discovering
the relationship among variables and is used to predict how future events will occur based on
present knowledge (Cherry, 2023). For instance, correlation research design can be used to
examine the relationship between obesity and hypertension or smoking and lung cancer.
In contrast, descriptive research design focuses on providing a snapshot of the current
state of affairs; thus, is commonly used to describe and document characteristics and behavior of
a particular group Aggarwal & Ranganathan,/2019). Second, correlation research designs collect
data on two or more variables, whereas the descriptive method gathers data from a single or
multiple variables. Third, it is essential to note that correlation research examines the relationship
between variables, while descriptive design only describes the variables without assessing their
relationships. Also, in correlation research, data is gathered through surveys, observations,
existing datasets, or surveys, while in descriptive design, data is collected using interviews,
observations, surveys, or existing records data collection methods.
Additionally, another difference between correlation and descriptive research designs is
in statistical techniques. Correlation methodology uses correlation coefficients to analyze data
and present it in scatter plots, correlation matrices, or regression analyses. At the same time,
descriptive design utilizes descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, means, or
standard deviations, to summarize and present the information (Aggarwal &
Ranganathan,/2019). In addition, descriptive and correlation research designs differ in their
ability to establish causality. While correlational design cannot determine causality because it
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does not involve the manipulation of variables or does not control extraneous factors but only
identifies associations between variables, descriptive research does not also aim to establish
causality of a character or behavior and focuses solely on describing the phenomenon under
study.
In conclusion, correlation and descriptive research designs have differences, strengths,
and limitations. Descriptive design focuses on providing a detailed description of a particular
phenomenon or group, while correlation research focuses on examining the relationship between
variables. However, the decision on which design to use depends on the research aims and goals,
together with the nature of the subject under study. Therefore, investigators need to select the
most appropriate research design that contributes to the advancement of knowledge. Overall,
irrespective of the differences between correlation research and descriptive design, the two are
widely used in the social science field for studies.
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References
Aggarwal, R., & Ranganathan, P. (2019). Study designs Part 2 – Descriptive studies.
Perspectives in Clinical Research,/10(1), 34./https://doi.org/10.4103/picr.picr_154_18
Cherry, K. (2023, August 6)./Why correlational studies are used in psychology research.
Verywell Mind./https://www.verywellmind.com/correlational-research-2795774
