Correlational Analysis - Advantages and Disadvantages

Correlational Analysis - Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Advantages

   • Used when it would be unethical or impractical to manipulate variables and can make sure of existing data.
     • If correlation is significant then further investigation is justified.
       • If correlation is not significant than you can probably rule out a casual relationship
         • The procedures can be repeated again which means that the findings can be confirmed.

2. Disadvantages

   • People often misinterpret correlations and assume that a cause have been found, whereas this is not possible.
     • Maybe be other, unknown variables, that can explain why the co-variables being studied are linked.
       • May lack external/internal validity e.g. method used to measure IQ may lack validity or sample used may lack generalisability.