Relational and correlational research

correlational research

1. Relational and Correlational research Relational or Correlational Research A study that investigates the connection between two or more variables is considered relational research.   The variables that are compared are generally already present in the group or population.

2. What is Correlational Research? Correlational research is a type of research method that involves observing two variables in order to establish a statistically corresponding relationship between them.  AIM The aim of correlational research is to identify variables that have some sort of relationship do the extent that a change in one creates some change in the other. 

3. What are the Types of Correlational Research? there are 3 types of correlational research which are positive correlational research, negative correlational research, and no correlational research. Positive Correlational Research Positive correlational research is a research method involving 2 variables that are statistically corresponding where an increase or decrease in 1 variable creates a like change in the other.

4. Negative Correlational Research Negative correlational research is a research method involving 2 variables that are statistically opposite where an increase in one of the variables creates an alternate effect or decrease in the other variable. No/Zero Correlational Research No/Zero correlational research is a type of correlational research that involves 2 variables that are not necessarily statistically connected.

5. What are the Data Collection Methods in Correlational research?  Naturalistic Observation Naturalistic observation is a correlational research methodology that involves observing people's behaviors as shown in the natural environment where they exist, over a period of time. It is a type of research-field method that involves the researcher paying closing attention to natural behavior patterns of the subjects under consideration. Archival Data Archival data is a type of correlational research method that involves making use of already gathered information about the variables in correlational research. Since this method involves using data that is already gathered and analyzed, it is usually straight to the point.

6. Survey Method The survey method is the most common method of correlational research; especially in fields like psychology. It involves random sampling of the variables or the subjects in the research in which the participants fill a questionnaire centered on the subjects of interest. 

7. What are the Characteristics of Correlational Research?  Correlational Research is non-experimental Correlational research is non-experimental as it does not involve manipulating variables using a scientific methodology in order to agree or disagree with a hypothesis.  Correlational Research is Backward-looking Correlational research doesn't take the future into consideration as it only observes and measures the recent historical relationship that exists between 2 variables. In this sense, the statistical pattern resulting from correlational research is backward-looking and can seize to exist at any point, going forward. 

8. Correlational Research is Dynamic Statistical patterns between 2 variables that result from correlational research are ever-changing. The correlation between 2 variables changes on a daily basis and such, it cannot be used as a fixed data for further research. 

9. What is the Correlation Coefficient?  A correlation coefficient is an important value in correlational research that indicates whether the inter-relationship between 2 variables is positive, negative or non-existent. It is usually represented with the sign [r] and is part of a range of possible correlation coefficients from -1.0 to +1.0. 

10. What are the Advantages of Correlational Research? In cases where carrying out experimental research is unethical, correlational research  can be used to determine the relationship between 2 variables.  Through correlational research, you can easily determine the statistical relationship between 2 variables. Carrying out correlational research is less time-consuming and less expensive than experimental research. This becomes a strong advantage when working with a minimum of researchers and funding or when keeping the number of variables in a study very low.  Correlational research allows the researcher to carry out shallow data gathering using different methods such as a short survey. A short survey does not require the researcher to personally administer it so this allows the researcher to work with a few people. 

11. What are the Disadvantages of Correlational Research?  Correlational research is limiting in nature as it can only be used to determine the statistical relationship between 2 variables. It cannot be used to establish a relationship between more than 2 variables . It does not account for cause and effect between 2 variables as it doesn't highlight which of the 2 variables is responsible for the statistical pattern that is observed . Reasons for either can be assumed, but until more research is done, causation can't be determined. Also, a third, unknown variable might be causing both.  Correlational research depends on past statistical patterns to determine the relationship between variables. As such, its data cannot be fully depended on for further research.  In correlational research, the researcher has no control over the variables. Unlike experimental research, correlational research only allows the researcher to observe the variables for connecting statistical patterns without introducing a catalyst. The information received from correlational research is limited. Correlational research only shows the relationship between variables and does not equate to causation. 

12. What are the Differences between Correlational and Experimental Research?   Methodology Observation Causality Number of Variables