Correlation Discussion Paper

Scientist who studies statistics while doing research uses math everyday to find the statistics. In this paper, a discussion of the methods of correlation between variables will be discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method will also be discussed. Particular circumstances will be discussed and examples of how a researcher may want to establish correlation. Correlation is a statistical measurement between two variables. A fieldworker can look at many types of situations and can tell what they have in common. The reason for showing correlations is to let fieldworkers and researchers make a prevision about one variable based on the information the fieldworker or researcher have on the variable.

There are two different types of directions of correlation. The two patterns that correlations can follow are positive correlations and negative correlations. In a positive correlation one variable shows a big increase, the other variable will also show a big increase. Vice versa, if a variable decreases the other variable will also decrease. Money and houses can be an example of a positive correlation. People who have plenty of money can afford to live in expensive houses. The less fortunate people may have to live in a house that he or she can afford. In a negative correlation, the value of one variable rises, and the other variable deflates. Vice versa, if one variable deflates the other variable increases. An example of a negative correlation is watching television and class grades. Children who spend most of his or her time watching television have lower grades and the ones who have higher grades spend less time watching television. No correlation shows that there is no relationship between the two variables.

Correlation studies may imply a relationship between the two variables, but cannot show proof that one variable can affect the other variable. There are three types of correlation methods, which include naturalistic observation, survey method, and archival research. Naturalistic observation is a research tool, in which watching and taking notes of the variables that show common interest in a natural environment without the researcher interfering. This tool has some advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that it gives a researcher a chance to look at a variable in a natural environment that will give the researcher better ideas for further research, and it may be the only option if a science lab is not available. The disadvantages can cost too much time and money, harder to control the variables; participants may be sensible of the perceiver and may respond in a different way as a result. The second type of correlation is the survey method. The survey method is a research technique for gathering information from a large number of participants.

This tool also has some advantages and disadvantages. It is quick, easy, and inexpensive, fieldworkers can gather enormous amounts of information in matters