Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
When we say two things are "associated," it means they are connected or related to each other in some way. In psychology, this term is often used to describe how one variable or trait is linked to another.
A statistical measure that shows the extent to which two variables are associated or related. For example, a positive correlation between hours of studying and test scores means that as study time increases, test scores also tend to increase.
Causation: This refers to a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables, where one variable directly influences the other. For example, studying (cause) causing better grades (effect).
A characteristic pattern of behavior or disposition that is consistent over time and across different situations. Traits help us understand an individual's personality and can be used to predict their behaviors and attitudes.