Correlation Research Method
Correlation Research Method PS300-02 Research Methods I Kaplan University Laura Owens February 12th, 2012
As we read this essay, we should get a better understanding of when it is appropriate to use the correlational research method; supplying an example that illustrates the use of correlational method, from a credible source. We will explain why the researcher in this example chose the correlational method, explaining any limitations to the correlational method in terms of the conclusion that can be made. We will include an explanation of positive, negative, or zero correlation, explaining what the number signifies and supplying examples. Explain how a non-linear relationship among two variables can influence the correlation coefficient, what happens to the size and the sign of the correlation coefficient if we correlate the two variables. Lastly, we will discuss the floor and ceiling effect; how these issues can preclude a significant correlation coefficient from being discovered.
Correlational research is conducted when researchers want to assess relationships among naturally occurring variables, mostly done using the survey research approach; examples of natural occurring variables are but not limited to, height, weight, athletic ability, grades, moral values, attitudes, preferences, and personality characteristics (Zechmeister, Zechmeister, & Shaughnessy, 2001). The example we will discuss illustrating the use of a correlational method is “The Mediating Effects of Alcohol on the Relationship between Sensation Seeking and Violence” this study was conducted by Richard D. Abbey, in 1998, and can be found at www.webclearinghouse.net. Seventy-one individuals were sampled from a western university, they were asked to each complete a survey. Each survey included an “aggression
As we read this essay, we should get a better understanding of when it is appropriate to use the correlational research method; supplying an example that illustrates the use of correlational method, from a credible source. We will explain why the researcher in this example chose the correlational method, explaining any limitations to the correlational method in terms of the conclusion that can be made. We will include an explanation of positive, negative, or zero correlation, explaining what the number signifies and supplying examples. Explain how a non-linear relationship among two variables can influence the correlation coefficient, what happens to the size and the sign of the correlation coefficient if we correlate the two variables. Lastly, we will discuss the floor and ceiling effect; how these issues can preclude a significant correlation coefficient from being discovered.
Correlational research is conducted when researchers want to assess relationships among naturally occurring variables, mostly done using the survey research approach; examples of natural occurring variables are but not limited to, height, weight, athletic ability, grades, moral values, attitudes, preferences, and personality characteristics (Zechmeister, Zechmeister, & Shaughnessy, 2001). The example we will discuss illustrating the use of a correlational method is “The Mediating Effects of Alcohol on the Relationship between Sensation Seeking and Violence” this study was conducted by Richard D. Abbey, in 1998, and can be found at www.webclearinghouse.net. Seventy-one individuals were sampled from a western university, they were asked to each complete a survey. Each survey included an “aggression