Correlational Research Method in AP Psychology

Definition

Correlational research methods involve measuring two variables and analyzing how they relate to each other - whether they move together (positive correlation), move in opposite directions (negative correlation), or have no relationship (zero correlation).

Related terms

Scatterplot:

A graph used to display data from a correlational study. Each dot represents an individual data point.

Coefficient of Correlation: A statistical measure that calculates the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

Spurious Correlation: This is when two variables appear to be related but are actually influenced by another variable or coincidence – like noticing more ice cream sales and more sunburns in summer, but not realizing both are caused by hotter weather.