Correlation measures the relationship between 2 variables to see if there is a trend or a systematic pattern.
In Psychology the pairing of two variables would usually be a particular individual’s score in 2 variables.
E.g Stress Score and Caffeine intake. Stress is not determined by caffeine intake so there can be no cause and effect from a correlation.
Correlation can be plotted out on scatter grams.
Advantages
- Precise information about the degree of the relationship can be established by the correlation coefficient
- No manipulation of behaviour is required
- Establishing a relationship between the 2 variables may imply that there could be a cause and effect relationship. Further experimental research can be conducted to establish cause and effect.
Disadvantages
- No cause and effect can be established. E.g. There may be a positive correlation between caffeine intake and stress scores, but the correlation does not indicate that caffeine is causing the stress.
