Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of correlational and regression.pdf
- 1. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of correlational and regression studies; discuss concepts such as positive and negative correlations, correlation coefficients, confounding, and causality. Solution M. Ed (1 st ) SESSION: 2011-2012 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL TRAINING Nature of Correlational Studies Types of Correlations Positive and negative Correlation: A positive correlation means high scores on the one variablehave a propensity to be associated with high scores on other variable. A negative correlationmeans high score on the one variable is related with low scores on the other variable and lowscores on the one are associated with high scores on the either.Linear and Non Linear Correlation: The correlation between two variables is believed to belinear if be consistent to a unit change in one variable, there is constant change in other variableover entire array of values. The relationship between two variables is thought to be non-linear if corresponding to a unit change in first variable, but the other variable does not change at aconstant rate, but at varying rate. Types of Correlational Designs There are many methods for correlational studies with their own strengths and weaknesses. Onetrendy method is called naturalistic observation, which necessitates a researcher to observe andrecord the natural environment without interference. One benefit of naturalistic observation isthat the researcher is observing variables in a natural state. Some limitations are that it can bedifficult to control the variables or to avoid outside influences from faking the results.Another type of correlational research is called the survey method. Surveys are easy on the pocket and swift, and can be used to gather information from very large sample size. However, poorly written survey questions can distort results. Another hitch is that survey results are alsodependent on survey respondents, who are not always trustworthy.A third method for correlational design is archival research, which analyzes historical records.An improvement in this method is that it’s a workable way to analyze large amounts of datawithout expending a lot of money. A lapse of this particular research method is that theresearcher has no way of knowing if the original data collection methods were reliable.Correlational studies are a helpful tool for conducting research. However, it must be kept in mindthat no study method is perfect. Researchers must take into consideration the limitations of boththeir preferred research method and correlational studies as a general rule.Correlational designs may be cross-sectional, in which all observations are made at the same point with context to time, or they may be longitudinal, in which calculations are made at two or more different time points