Correlational Research

Definition
A correlation reflects the strength and/or direction of the relationship between two (or more)
variables. The direction of a correlation can be either positive or negative. It’s a non-
experimental type of quantitative research.

Characteristics of correlational research

Non-experimental: It means that researchers need not manipulate variables with a scientific
methodology to either agree or disagree with a hypothesis.
Backward-looking: Correlational research only looks back at historical data and observes
events in the past.
Dynamic: The patterns between two variables from correlational research are never constant
and are always changing.

Process of Correlational Research

-Correlational research involves measuring two variables and assessing the relationship between
them, with no manipulation of an independent variable

. 2 Aspects of Correlation
Direction
Magnitude

Direction >Positive >Negative >Zero

Positive Correlation -Indicates that there is a positive relationship between two variables.
As one variable increases, the other variable also increases

Negative Correlations -Shows negative relationship between the two variables.

As one variable increases, the other variable decreases

Zero Correlation -A change in one variable does not lead to any changes of other variable
An increase in height does not lead to any changes in the intelligence of person.
Magnitude
-Strong Correlational
-Weak Correlational
-Zero/no Correlational