CORRELATIONAL

RESEARCH
Prepared by: CRISTINE M. DE DIOS
CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
Involves collecting data to determine whether and to what
degree, a relationship exists between two or more quantifiable
variables.
Correlational studies may be used to:
A. Show relationships between two variables there
by showing a cause and effect relationship.

B. Show predictions of a future event outcome from a

variable.
 CHARACTERISTICS
Sample size of at least 30 participants.
Outcome of the study allows the researcher to describe
whether and to what degree two (or more) variables are related.
One group of subjects measured on two variables.
Variables must be quantifiable and usually represent at least
ordinal scale of measure.
Variables not usually manipulated.
Cannot be used to determine causality.
A consistent relationship can be used to predict future events
POSITIVE CORRELATION
High with high, low with low.

NEGATIVE CORRELATION
High with low, low with high.
 CORRELATION COEFFICIENT
The amount of correlation is expressed as r
r= -1 indicates a weak/negative relationship.
r= +1 indicates a strong/positive relationship.
While a 0 indicates no relationship at all.
 STEPS
1. Selecting a problem
2. Choosing a sample (n=30 at least)
3. Selecting or developing instruments (tests,
questionnaires, observation)
4. Collecting and analyzing data
5. Interpreting results
 EXAMPLES
The relationship between high I.Q and high GPA.
The relationship between smoking and lung cancer.
The relationship between education level and income.
The relationship between profitability of company and salary
increase if employees.
Relationship between sleep duration and academic
performance.
TYPES OF CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH

1. Natural observation

2. Survey Research

3. Archival research
 NATURAL OBSERVATION
Natural observation is observing and recording variables in a
natural environment, without interfering.

It can be time consuming and does not allow variable control.

Example:
class attendance and grades
 SURVEY RESEARCH
Survey research gathers information via surveys or
questionnaires by choosing a random sample of participants.
Survey research is quick and convenient, but participants
can affect the outcomes in a variety of ways.

Example:
income and happiness
 ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
Archival research analyzes data collected by others.
Archive research is often free. However, large amounts of data
are needed in order to see any type of significant relationship.
Researchers cannot control the data or how it was gathered.

Example:
violence and economics
THANK YOU !!!