week two discussions

2.2 Discussion Responses

INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to the following two discussion posts. DUE DATE Monday, June 16, 2024

Julie

What are the pros and cons of correlational research?

The advantages of correlational research are as follows (Gaille, 2020):

· Correlational investigations do not involve any manipulation of either variable. It is possible for researchers to watch individuals in a variety of locations without causing any changes to their movements.

· Methods of Data Acquisition: Correlational research allows for the acquisition of data by naturalistic observation, which involves witnessing real-life settings in an unobtrusive manner, or through archive data, which involves utilizing previously collected research data.

· Applicability: Because correlational studies take place in real-world settings, the findings of this research are more applicable to situations that might occur in everyday life. In a laboratory context, there is no need to extrapolate.

· Research as a Beginning Point Correlational research offers a starting point from which to investigate connections or phenomena, even in situations where experimental investigations are not viable.

Correlational research has the following drawbacks (Gaille, 2020):

· It is not possible to infer a causal relationship from a correlation. It is able to identify correlations between variables, but it is unable to discern the source and effect of such associations.

· Variables of the Third Kind Uncontrolled third variables, often known as confounding factors, have the potential to alter the observed correlation, which may result in incorrect findings.

· Directionality issues arise when determining which variable causes changes in the other. Take, for instance, the question of whether stress causes inadequate sleep or vice versa.

· Due to unique circumstances or populations, correlations may not apply generally. This is referred to as limited generalizability.

How is correlational research conducted? Is it ‘controlled?’

Correlation-based research analyzes the relationship between two or more variables without trying to manipulate those factors (Cherry, 2023). Researchers collect data based on the factors of interest. In order to do this, you may conduct surveys, questionnaires, observations, or use data that is already available (archival research). You may, for instance, examine the link between the number of hours spent studying and the results of the examination (Cherry, 2023). The researchers analyze the data using statistical tools. Researchers frequently use the correlation coefficient, often represented by the letter "r," as a measurement (Cherry, 2023). Using the correlation coefficient, one can quantify the degree of association between variables as well as the direction of that relationship (Cherry, 2023).

The value of "r" varies from -1 to 1 (Cherry, 2023):

Positive correlation (ranging from 0 to 1): When one variable grows, the other variable tends to increase as well. One variable tends to drop as the other variable grows, which is an example of a negative correlation (-1 to 0). Since there is no correlation (near 0), there is no relationship between the variables.

Researchers interpret the correlation coefficient as follows (Cherry, 2023):

It is possible that the variables move together if there is a significant positive correlation between them (for example, r = 0.8).A significant negative correlation, such as r = -0.7, is indicative of an inverse link between the two variables. Weak correlations, which are close to 0, are indicative of a lack of link.

Causation vs. association (Cherry, 2023): 

Correlation does not imply causation. Even with a strong correlation, we cannot conclude that one variable causes the other. The third variable, the confounding factors, may influence the apparent association.

Comparison of Controlled and Non-Controlled Research (Cherry, 2023): 

Since the researchers do not attempt to modify the variables, correlational research is considered non-controlled. In contrast to experiments, which involve the deliberate alteration of variables, correlational research focuses on observing the associations that already exist.

To summarize, correlational research is able to give useful insights into the relationships between variables, but it is unable to demonstrate causation with any degree of accuracy. Researchers must exercise caution when interpreting the results.

What types of patterns can be found using correlational methods?

Research based on correlation may shed light on a variety of patterns that exist between two or more variables. Here are the different kinds of patterns (Hassan, 2023):

The term "positive correlation" refers to the phenomenon that takes place when two variables experience a rise or fall simultaneously (Hassan, 2023). As the value of one variable increases, so does the value of the other variable, and vice versa (Hassan, 2023). For instance, improved academic success correlates with the amount of time spent studying.

A correlation that is negative occurs when one variable rises while the other declines (Hassan, 2023). When the value of one variable rises, the value of the other variable tends to fall, and vice versa (Hassan, 2023). There is a correlation between increased time spent watching television and decreased levels of physical exercise.

In the absence of any link between two variables, there is no correlation (Hassan, 2023). They have no relationship and have no influence (Hassan, 2023). For example, there is no relationship between shoe size and IQ score.

Keep in mind that correlation does not always establish causality. Although these patterns assist us in comprehending linkages, we are unable to infer the existence of cause-and-effect interactions. 

References

Cherry, K. (2023, November 21).  Correlational Research in Psychology: Definition and How It Works - Explore Psychology. Explore Psychology.  https://www.explorepsychology.com/correlational-research/

Gaille, L. (2020, January 17).  12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Correlational Research Studies.  https://vittana.org/12-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-correlational-research-studies

Hassan, M. (2023, August 15).  Correlational Research - Methods, Types and Examples. Research Method.  https://researchmethod.net/correlational-research/

Samantha

What are the pros of correlational research?

Correlational research allows relationships between two variables to be established (Warren & Donaldson, 2017). It is useful in being able to predict how a change in one variable might impact another (Zimmer, 2017). For example, many of my family members have had cancer, so I am more preemptive in measures to limit other risks as well as getting any abnormalities looked at sooner than others might. Additionally correlational research is a good way to establish a relationship between two variables that can then inspire further research and experiments to determine causality (Zimmer, 2017). 

What are the cons of correlational research?

Correlational research lacks the ability to report on the causality of two variables (Warren & Donaldson, 2017). It is easy to fall into the temptation of assuming that an observed effect is causation. An established correlation can be a mere coincidence or there could be a third variable that was present when both other variables were being examined (Zimmer, 2017).  Correlational research has the ability to cause harm if researched fail to examine all possible reasons for causation outside of the specific variables they were researching (Zimmer, 2017). Applying causation where it does not exist can also discredit a researcher, and their past and future research may be negatively affected. 

How is correlational research conducted? Is it ‘controlled?’

Correlational research is conducted by gathering and analyzing information without manipulating variables (Zimmer, 2017). A controlled experiment seeks to establish causality and requires variables being tested to be manipulated by the researchers. The lack of variable manipulation causes correlational research to be noncontrolled. It is necessary for a correlational study to use the same set of subjects to complete questionnaires, surveys, or observations (Zimmer, 2017). 

What types of patterns can be found using correlational methods?

There are three patterns that can be found using correlational methods that exist on a spectrum that can be quantified. (Zimmer, 2017). Correlational research results are quantified on a scale from -1 to +1. A -1 indicates a negative correlation in which one variable increases and the other decreases. A +1 is a strong positive correlation where one variable increases as the other does. If the result is 0, then the variables have no correlation. The closer to 1 in either direction indicates a stronger relationship between the two variables. (Zimmer, 2017). 

References:

Warren, M. A., & Donaldson, S. I. (Eds.). (2017).  Scientific advances in positive psychology. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.

Zimmer, S. (2017). Correlational Research. In D. E. Franceschetti (Ed.),  Principles of Scientific Research. Salem Press

Zimmer, S. (2017). Correlations and Causations. In D. E. Franceschetti (Ed.),  Principles of Scientific Research. Salem Press

2.2 Discussion Responses

INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to the following two discussion posts. DUE DATE Monday, June 16, 2024

Julie

What are the pros and cons of correlational research?

The advantages of correlational research are as follows (Gaille, 2020):

· Correlational investigations do not involve any manipulation of either variable. It is possible for researchers to watch individuals in a variety of locations without causing any changes to their movements.

· Methods of Data Acquisition: Correlational research allows for the acquisition of data by naturalistic observation, which involves witnessing real-life settings in an unobtrusive manner, or through archive data, which involves utilizing previously collected research data.

· Applicability: Because correlational studies take place in real-world settings, the findings of this research are more applicable to situations that might occur in everyday life. In a laboratory context, there is no need to extrapolate.

· Research as a Beginning Point Correlational research offers a starting point from which to investigate connections or phenomena, even in situations where experimental investigations are not viable.

Correlational research has the following drawbacks (Gaille, 2020):

· It is not possible to infer a causal relationship from a correlation. It is able to identify correlations between variables, but it is unable to discern the source and effect of such associations.

· Variables of the Third Kind Uncontrolled third variables, often known as confounding factors, have the potential to alter the observed correlation, which may result in incorrect findings.

· Directionality issues arise when determining which variable causes changes in the other. Take, for instance, the question of whether stress causes inadequate sleep or vice versa.

· Due to unique circumstances or populations, correlations may not apply generally. This is referred to as limited generalizability.

How is correlational research conducted? Is it ‘controlled?’

Correlation-based research analyzes the relationship between two or more variables without trying to manipulate those factors (Cherry, 2023). Researchers collect data based on the factors of interest. In order to do this, you may conduct surveys, questionnaires, observations, or use data that is already available (archival research). You may, for instance, examine the link between the number of hours spent studying and the results of the examination (Cherry, 2023). The researchers analyze the data using statistical tools. Researchers frequently use the correlation coefficient, often represented by the letter "r," as a measurement (Cherry, 2023). Using the correlation coefficient, one can quantify the degree of association between variables as well as the direction of that relationship (Cherry, 2023).

The value of "r" varies from -1 to 1 (Cherry, 2023):

Positive correlation (ranging from 0 to 1): When one variable grows, the other variable tends to increase as well. One variable tends to drop as the other variable grows, which is an example of a negative correlation (-1 to 0). Since there is no correlation (near 0), there is no relationship between the variables.

Researchers interpret the correlation coefficient as follows (Cherry, 2023):

It is possible that the variables move together if there is a significant positive correlation between them (for example, r = 0.8).A significant negative correlation, such as r = -0.7, is indicative of an inverse link between the two variables. Weak correlations, which are close to 0, are indicative of a lack of link.

Causation vs. association (Cherry, 2023): 

Correlation does not imply causation. Even with a strong correlation, we cannot conclude that one variable causes the other. The third variable, the confounding factors, may influence the apparent association.

Comparison of Controlled and Non-Controlled Research (Cherry, 2023): 

Since the researchers do not attempt to modify the variables, correlational research is considered non-controlled. In contrast to experiments, which involve the deliberate alteration of variables, correlational research focuses on observing the associations that already exist.

To summarize, correlational research is able to give useful insights into the relationships between variables, but it is unable to demonstrate causation with any degree of accuracy. Researchers must exercise caution when interpreting the results.

What types of patterns can be found using correlational methods?

Research based on correlation may shed light on a variety of patterns that exist between two or more variables. Here are the different kinds of patterns (Hassan, 2023):

The term "positive correlation" refers to the phenomenon that takes place when two variables experience a rise or fall simultaneously (Hassan, 2023). As the value of one variable increases, so does the value of the other variable, and vice versa (Hassan, 2023). For instance, improved academic success correlates with the amount of time spent studying.

A correlation that is negative occurs when one variable rises while the other declines (Hassan, 2023). When the value of one variable rises, the value of the other variable tends to fall, and vice versa (Hassan, 2023). There is a correlation between increased time spent watching television and decreased levels of physical exercise.

In the absence of any link between two variables, there is no correlation (Hassan, 2023). They have no relationship and have no influence (Hassan, 2023). For example, there is no relationship between shoe size and IQ score.

Keep in mind that correlation does not always establish causality. Although these patterns assist us in comprehending linkages, we are unable to infer the existence of cause-and-effect interactions. 

References

Cherry, K. (2023, November 21).  Correlational Research in Psychology: Definition and How It Works - Explore Psychology. Explore Psychology.  https://www.explorepsychology.com/correlational-research/

Gaille, L. (2020, January 17).  12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Correlational Research Studies.  https://vittana.org/12-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-correlational-research-studies

Hassan, M. (2023, August 15).  Correlational Research - Methods, Types and Examples. Research Method.  https://researchmethod.net/correlational-research/

Samantha

What are the pros of correlational research?

Correlational research allows relationships between two variables to be established (Warren & Donaldson, 2017). It is useful in being able to predict how a change in one variable might impact another (Zimmer, 2017). For example, many of my family members have had cancer, so I am more preemptive in measures to limit other risks as well as getting any abnormalities looked at sooner than others might. Additionally correlational research is a good way to establish a relationship between two variables that can then inspire further research and experiments to determine causality (Zimmer, 2017). 

What are the cons of correlational research?

Correlational research lacks the ability to report on the causality of two variables (Warren & Donaldson, 2017). It is easy to fall into the temptation of assuming that an observed effect is causation. An established correlation can be a mere coincidence or there could be a third variable that was present when both other variables were being examined (Zimmer, 2017).  Correlational research has the ability to cause harm if researched fail to examine all possible reasons for causation outside of the specific variables they were researching (Zimmer, 2017). Applying causation where it does not exist can also discredit a researcher, and their past and future research may be negatively affected. 

How is correlational research conducted? Is it ‘controlled?’

Correlational research is conducted by gathering and analyzing information without manipulating variables (Zimmer, 2017). A controlled experiment seeks to establish causality and requires variables being tested to be manipulated by the researchers. The lack of variable manipulation causes correlational research to be noncontrolled. It is necessary for a correlational study to use the same set of subjects to complete questionnaires, surveys, or observations (Zimmer, 2017). 

What types of patterns can be found using correlational methods?

There are three patterns that can be found using correlational methods that exist on a spectrum that can be quantified. (Zimmer, 2017). Correlational research results are quantified on a scale from -1 to +1. A -1 indicates a negative correlation in which one variable increases and the other decreases. A +1 is a strong positive correlation where one variable increases as the other does. If the result is 0, then the variables have no correlation. The closer to 1 in either direction indicates a stronger relationship between the two variables. (Zimmer, 2017). 

References:

Warren, M. A., & Donaldson, S. I. (Eds.). (2017).  Scientific advances in positive psychology. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.

Zimmer, S. (2017). Correlational Research. In D. E. Franceschetti (Ed.),  Principles of Scientific Research. Salem Press

Zimmer, S. (2017). Correlations and Causations. In D. E. Franceschetti (Ed.),  Principles of Scientific Research. Salem Press