Correlational Research

Start with the relationship between variables

A useful starting point is the mind map Psychology: Correlations. It describes correlation as a technique for measuring variables and looking for a relationship between them. It also notes that a relationship does not mean that one variable causes the other. Use the map to get familiar with that distinction before moving on to the other resources.

The map called Correlations also introduces relationships between variables. A flashcard deck on studies using correlational analysis asks about positive, negative and zero correlations. After looking at a map, use those questions to check what you can explain in your own words.

Explore coefficients and examples

The mind map on correlational research covers the correlation coefficient, the Pearson correlation coefficient, scatterplots and factors that can distort correlation. You can move to it after reviewing the basic idea of a relationship. Use its branches to organize the terms, then return to the flashcards when you want to practice recalling them.

Another mind map, Correlation, refers to examples of core studies with correlational data. The map Correlation: Reaction time and tiredness offers a topic to look at alongside the general explanations. The slides on correlational research provide another format for studying the relationship between sets of variables.

Use maps and quizzes together

Correlational Research is a section of Research Methods and Ethics in Psychology. The resources here offer different ways to study this section of the unit: maps for connecting ideas, flashcards for recall, and quizzes for practice. The quiz on the nuts and bolts of correlational studies is one option to try after you have worked through a map.

Use the quiz as a prompt to revisit any terms you want to study again. Then choose a map or flashcard deck for another pass through those ideas.