QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

METHODOLOGIES

CORRELATIONAL
RESEARCH

THE NATURE OF CORRELATIONAL

RESEARCH
Sometimes called associational
research
It investigates the possibility of
relationships between only two
variables
Also sometimes referred to as a
form of descriptive research
Describes the degree to which two
or more quantitative variables are
related

PURPOSES OF CORRELATIONAL
RESEARCH
Two basic purposes
1. Help explain important human
behaviors
(Explanatory Studies)
2. Predict likely outcomes
(Prediction Studies)

EXPLANOTARY STUDIES
Researchers often investigate a
number of variables they believe
are related to a more complex
variable.
Unrelated variables dropped from
further consideration
Most researchers most probably
trying to gain some ideas about
cause and effect
However it does not establish

PREDICTION STUDIES
Predict a score on one variable if a
score on the other variable is
known
Determine the predictive validity of
measuring instruments
Predictor Variable; variable that is
used to make the prediction
Criterion Variable; variable about
which the prediction is made

Using Scatter plots to Predict a

Score
We can use the scatter plots to find
a correlation between the variables
correlational research.pptx

A simple Prediction
Equation
Used to express the regression
line
Y'

We gain confidence in using the

prediction equation to make
future predictions if there is a
close similarity between two
results

MORE COMPLEX CORRELATIONAL

TECHNIQUES
1. Multiple Regressions;
technique that enables researchers
to determine a correlation between
a criterion variable
The best combination of two or
more predictor variables

2. The Coefficient of Multiple

Correlation
Symbolized by R; indicates the
strength of the correlation between
the combination of the predictor
variables and the criterion
variables.
multiple correlation.jpg
The higher R is, the more reliable a
prediction will be

3. The Coefficient of
Determination
The square of the correlation
between a predictor and a criterion
variable
Indicates the percentage of the
variability among the criterion
scores that can be attributed to
differences in the scores on the

4. Discriminant Function
Analysis
Technique used when the
technique of multiple regression
cannot be used when the criterion
variable is categorical

5. Factor Analysis
Technique that allows a researcher
to determine if many variables can

BASIC STEPS IN CORRELATIONAL

RESEARCH
1. Problem Selection
. Three major types of problems;
a. is variable X related to variable Y?
b. how well does variable P predict
variable C?
c. What are the relationship among a
large number of variables and what
predictions can be made?

2. Sample
Should be selected carefully, and
if possible, randomly.
Not less than 30.

3.Instruments
. Most correlational studies involve
the administration of some types
of instruments (tests,
questionnaire, and so on).

4.Design and Procedures

. Design used quite straightforward.

5.Data Collection
. Data on both variables will usually
be collected in a short time.
. Instruments used are administered
in a single session or two sessions

THREATS TO INTERNAL VALIDITY

There are some threats identified in
conducting correlational research

1.Subject Characteristics
. Individuals or groups have two or
more characteristics; might be a
cause of variation in the other two
variables.

2. Location
Location is different for different subject
One location may be more comfortable
compared to others
3. Instrumentation
Instrument decay; care must be taken
to ensure the observers dont become
tired, bored or inattentive
Data collector characteristics; different
gender, age or ethnicity may affect
specific response

4. Testing
Experience of responding to the
first instrument may influence
subject responses to the second
instrument

5. Mortality
Loss of subjects may make a
relationship more (or less) likely in
the remaining data

EVALUATING THREATS TO
INTERNAL VALIDITY
Follows a procedure similar to the
experimental research.

1. Subject Characteristics
. Four of many possible characteristics
a. Severity of disability
b. Socioeconomic level of parents
c. Physical strength and coordination
d. Physical appearance

2. Mortality
Loss of subjects can be expected to
reduce magnitude of correlation

3. Location
Threats could be controlled by
independently assessing the jobsite environments.

4. Instrumentation
Instrument decay; observations
should scheduled
Data collector characteristics;
interaction of data collectors and
supervisors is a necessary parts
Data collector bias; observers
should have no knowledge of job
ratings

THAN
K