Types of Research Designs – Correlational Studies

In this video, we discuss one of the most widely-used research designs, particularly in the field of psychology: correlational studies. We also take time to learn how to interpret Pearson's r, which is the way we quantify a correlation (known also as the correlation coefficient).

Correlational Studies: A research design that examines the extent to which two variables are associated, or correlated, with each other.

Magnitude: A quality of a correlation that describes the strength of the relationship between the two variables. Correlations must be between –1 and +1. Correlations closer to an absolute value of 1 represent stronger relationships.

Valence: A quality of a correlation that describes the nature of the relationship between the two variables. Correlations can be positive, negative, or zero, which tells you the nature of the relationship.

Positive Correlations: Correlations in which as one variable changes, the other tends to change in the same direction.

Negative Correlations: Correlations in which as one variable changes, the other tends to change in the opposite direction.

Zero Correlations: Correlations which describe a lack of relationship between two variables. That is, a zero correlation means that no relationship exists between the two variables.

Causation Fallacy: Mistakenly assuming that an observed correlation implies a causal link between the two variables.