Correlation Research

Dr. Ayaz Muhammad Khan Assistant Professor University of Education, Lahore

Correlation Research
A procedure in which subjects scores on two variables are simply measured, without manipulation of any variables, to determine whether there is a relationship Correlation research examines the relationship between two or more non manipulated variables. If a relationship of sufficient magnitude exists between two variables, it becomes possible to predict a score on either variable if a score on the other variable is known (Prediction Studies). The variable that is used to make the prediction is called the predictor variable.

Definition
A statistical analysis of covariant data to determine a pre-existing relationship. Researcher makes no attempt to manipulate an independent variable. Purpose: This research technique is used to relate two or more variables and allow predictions of outcomes based on causative relationships between the variables

Historical Perspective
Karl Pearson introduced modern correlation techniques in 1895 at a Royal Society meeting in London where he illustrated his statistical model using Darwins evolution and Galtons heredity. Improvements were slow coming until the arrival of microcomputers when complex regression analysis of multiple variables was possible

Correlation Research Design Models (Types)

Explanatory Design: Research looks for simple associations between variables and investigates the extent to which the variables are related Prediction Design: Research designed to identify variables that will positively predict outcomes

Explanatory Design Model characteristic

Correlation of two or more variables Data collected at one time Single group At least two scores recorded Correlation Statistical Test- Strength and Direction of correlation determined Researcher draws conclusions from statistics alone

Prediction Design Characteristics

Author states that prediction capability is the goal of the research Use of predictor variable followed with a criterion variable Author forecasts future performance

Primary Tools for Correlation Designs

Mathematical Tools Graphical Tools:

Product-Moment correlation coefficient Coefficient of determination Spearman rho Phi-coefficient Point-biserial correlation Regression lines

Scatter Plots Correlational matrix Simple graphical regression Venn diagram

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

 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 predictor variable Discriminate Function Analysis Technique used when the technique of multiple regression cannot be used when the criterion variable is categorical

 Factor Analysis: (FANOVA) Technique that allows a researcher to determine if many variables can be described by a few factors. Approach: group a larger number of variables into a smaller number of clusters; derive factors by finding groups of variables that are highly among each other, but lowly with other variables; use factors as variables. Path Analysis: Used to test the likelihood of a causal connection among three or more variables. Structural Modeling: Sophisticated method for exploring and possibly confirming causation among several variables.

How to conduct a correlation

Variables are identified Questions and/or hypotheses are stated A sample is selected Data are collected Correlations are calculated Results are reported

Sampling
Random Sampling, Convenient / Purposeful sampling, A minimum of 30 samples is required

Data collection
Naturalistic Observation : Naturalistic observation involves observing and recording the variables of interest in the natural environment without interference or manipulation by the experimenter. The Survey Method: In this method, a random sample of participants completes a survey, test, or questionnaire that relates to the variables of interest. Archival Research: Archival research is performed by analyzing studies conducted by other researchers or by looking at historical patient records.

Data Analysis
The scores for one variable are correlated with the scores for another variable and expressed in the form of a correlation coefficient. The method for computing a correlation coefficient depends upon the type of data represented by each variable types of data: nominal (dichotomous) ordinal (rank) interval (continuous) ratio (continuous)

with continuous data

use the product moment correlation, Pearson r (, rho)

with rank data

use the rank difference correlation, Spearman r (, rho)

with dichotomous data

use the phi correlation ()

with curvilinear data

use the eta correlation ()

Calculating correlations
To calculate a numerical value of a correlation we can use Pearsons product moment correlation co-eficcient or correlation coefficient with the symbol of the lowercase letter r. A correlation co-efficient ranges from - 1.0 to +1.0, with -1.0 indicating a perfect linear negative correlation and +1.0 a perfect linear positive correlation.

Interpretation of the Strength of Correlations

00 - .20 Very Weak .21 - .40 Weak .41 - .60 Moderate .61 - .80 Strong .81 1.00 - Very Strong Different statisticians may have similar but slightly different scales.

Reporting results
Positive Correlations: Both variables increase or decrease at the same time. A correlation coefficient close to +1.00 indicates a strong positive correlation. Negative Correlations: Indicates that as the amount of one variable increases, the other decreases (and vice versa). A correlation coefficient close to -1.00 indicates a strong negative correlation. No Correlation: Indicates no relationship between the two variables. A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates no correlation.

A positive correlation
y

A negative correlation
y

No correlation
y

How to calculate correlations

Excel has a statistical function. It calculates Pearson Product Moment correlations. SPSS (a statistical software program for personal computers used by graduate students) calculates correlations.