Linear and Nonlinear Relationships Between Variables

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review Chapter 9 in your course text, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Pay attention to the descriptions and examples of linear and nonlinear relationships, positive and negative linear relationships, and curvilinear relationships.
• Consider how these relationships are determined and what impact each type of relationship may have on a researcher’s ability to make predictions.
• Using the Walden Library, select and review two or three articles on criminal recidivism, violent crime, or domestic violence in which the variables have positive and negative linear relationships.
• Consider the implications if the variables had a curvilinear relationship instead.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a description of two variables that have a positive linear relationship and two variables that have a negative linear relationship in the research articles you reviewed. Then, explain the implications on the studies if each of those variables had a curvilinear relationship instead.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Learning Resources

Readings

• Course Text: Stangor, C. (2015). Research methods for the behavioral sciences (5th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
  • Chapter 9, "Correlational Research Designs"
    
    
• Article: Moore, L., & Finn, P. E. (1986). Forensic psychology: An empirical review of experimental research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 42(4), 675–679.
  
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Optional Resources

Note: Because of the ever-changing nature of websites such as those listed below, there is no guarantee that clips or websites will always be available. Hence, the following links are listed as Optional Resources only. However, it is highly recommended that you view them as they will assist you in completing one or more of your assignments.

• Article: National Institute of Justice. (2008). Measuring recidivism. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/measuring.htm
• Article: National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. (n.d.). Investigative programs: Critical incident response group. Retrieved October 1, 2009, from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cirg/investigations-and-operations-support/investigations-operations-support