An Ultimate Guide to Correlational Research with Examples

Understanding variables and their association is central to understanding the world in which we live. As an academic researcher or as a social or scientific follower, a student, correlational research can provide valuable inferences. If you’re an academic student conducting correlational research and it appears overwhelming, don’t worry—you are not alone. Most students take Assignment Help in the UK to ensure that their projects meet the required standards. This article will walk you through everything that you’d ever want to know about correlational descriptive research design, starting from its definition and sampling technique to real-life examples and usages, predominantly applied in psychology.

What is Correlational Descriptive Research?

Correlational study is a non-experimental technique of observation and measurement of statistical correlation between more than two variables by not manipulating or controlling them. Correlational study is opposite to experimental research with manipulated and controlled groups. Many students prefer to take professional assistance, and that too at affordable rates, such as cheap assignment help UK, where research experts are ready to help you.

Here is an example of correlational descriptive research. If you were to research whether stress level is correlated with several hours slept, a correlational study would measure both the variables and identify the direction and strength of the relationship between the two.

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Correlational Descriptive Research Design

A correlational descriptive research design tries to look for and depict variable relations rather than causation. The design is best to use when manipulating variables would prove to be immoral or impracticable, but otherwise very vital to investigate their relation. Secure the best assignment help UK services that specialise in research design and statistical analysis to boost your grades.

• No variable is under control under this design.
• Data are collected through observation, questionnaires, or from archival data.
• Statistical tests like Pearson’s r or Spearman’s rho are applied in the case of study of direction and size of association.

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Characteristics of Correlational Research

Characteristics of correlational research include:

• Non-experimental nature: Variables are not controlled or manipulated by researchers.
• Measurement of two or more variables: They are measured individually but collectively in research.
• Examination of relations: A Pattern is looked for, and not causation.
• Quantitative analysis: A Relation is usually measured in the form of a quantity.
• Predictive value: It helps in prediction in terms of observed trends.

These traits have rendered correlational research extensively prevalent in psychology, education, health science, and social research.

Descriptive Correlational Quantitative Research Design

The descriptive correlational quantitative research design recognises the prevailing traits of variables and, simultaneously, measures their association with one another.

For example, the researchers can present students’ mean performance (descriptive) and analyse how it is associated with classroom attendance or study habits (correlational). The result helps teachers identify how to improve performance without changing any of the classroom variables.

Best Sampling Method for Correlational Research

The most suitable sampling method must be employed to attain valid findings. The following are two of the most suitable sampling methods for correlational research.

Random Sampling:

Everyone in the group has the same chance of being picked. This makes the process fair and avoids unfair choices.

Stratified Sampling:

The population is divided into subgroups (strata), and each group is sampled proportionately from which achieves representation on relevant demographics.

Good sampling makes correlations stronger and allows outcomes to be generalised more.

Dependent and Independent Variables in Correlational Study

In correlation studies, variables are not controlled. For purposes of convenience in time and labour, researchers may designate variables “predictor” and “outcome,” however.

Let’s consider:

Exercise and anxiety level.

• Exercise frequency = predictor variable (i.e., akin to independent)
• Anxiety level = outcome variable (e.g., dependent)

Although correlational study dependent and independent variables are not formally named, they do help to clarify the direction of analysis.

Data Analysis for Correlational Research

Data analysis for correlational research typically employs statistical methods of assessing relationships. Some of the traditional ones are:

• Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) assesses the direction and magnitude of a linear relationship between two continuous variables.
• Spearman’s rank-order correlation is used when the data is in order but not evenly spaced. It also works well when the data doesn’t follow a normal pattern.
• Scatterplots – A Graphic representation of relationships between variables.

Correlational Study Example Psychology

Psychology is one of those subjects in which correlation studies are widely used. In psychology, perhaps the most common example of a correlational study is social media use, where self-esteem comes into play.

Researchers can ask a sample of teens to report:

• How many hours each day do they normally use social media?
• How they feel about themselves by answering questions from a trusted self-esteem test.

Analysis can identify a negative correlation, i.e., increased use of social media is associated with reduced self-esteem. It isn’t claiming that social media contributes to low self-esteem, but the association is beneficial for future research and public health promotion.

Correlational Research in Psychology

Psychological correlational research is essential to the analysis of human behaviour, free from practical or ethical constraints relative to experimental research. It’s applied to study:

• Correlational associations between lifestyles and mental health
• Correlational associations between academic success and intellectual processes

Since certain psychological events might not be amenable to manipulation (e.g., child abuse), correlational designs are a handy choice for the study of human behaviour.

Examples of Descriptive Correlational Research

Some descriptive correlational research examples in other domains are as follows:

• Education: Researchers check if going to school more often leads to better grades. They compare attendance with students’ GPAs.
• Healthcare: They see if body weight affects blood pressure. They compare BMI with blood pressure levels.
• Business: Investigating the correlation between repeat purchasing and customer satisfaction.
• Sociology: Investigating the correlation between income and self-reported happiness.

These are some examples of ways in which researchers from any discipline can use correlation to draw patterns and conclusions.

Correlational and Experimental Research: What’s the Difference?

While both involve research on relationships between variables, correlational and experimental research are different.

Understanding of these differences enables researchers to choose the right approach for their questions.

Applications and Limitations of Correlational Research

Applications:

• Education: Curriculum development, understanding learning behaviour.
• Public health: Study of lifestyle determinants of disease.
• Business: Market trend study, study of the behaviour of customers.
• Psychology: Identification of behavioural patterns, effectiveness of therapy.

Limitations:

• No causality: Association is not necessarily causality.
• Confounding variables: Unobservable factors might be influencing the outcome.
• Bi-directionality: We’re not always sure which variable causes the other to change.

Although these have some limitations, correlational research is still greatly needed in most areas.