Correlational Studies

Definition

Correlational studies measure two variables and examine how they relate to each other without manipulating either one of them.

Related terms

Positive Correlation:

This occurs when both variables increase or decrease together, like height and weight in humans - as height increases, typically so does weight.

Negative Correlation:

This happens when one variable increases while the other decreases, like time spent watching TV and grades - as TV time goes up, grades often go down.

Correlation Coefficient:

A statistical measure that calculates the strength and direction of a correlation. It's like a scorecard telling how closely two things are related.