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Correlation can only show that one variable increases linearly as another increases or decreases. It cannot show non-linear relationships. There can, therefore, be a perfect non-linear relationship and the correlation coefficient can be zero. For example y = x2 in the range (-a, a) for any positive number a,

Second, correlation cannot determine whether A causes B or B causes A. There is probably a good correlation between my age over the last 10 years and the number of white hairs on my head. However, I do not think that white hairs caused me to GROW older (I may look older, but that is another matter entirely).

Furthermore, when there are two correlated variable, there may not be any causal relationship between the two variables but there may be a third variable that causes both. There is a fairly good correlation between my age and the number of cars in the UK. My growing old did not increase the number of cars and the number of cars did not make me grow old. So there is no causal relation between them. Instead, both are correlated to time.

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Q: Why cant correlational studies show causality between two variables?
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What is correlational research method?

Correlational research method is a type of study that looks at the relationship between two or more variables in order to determine if and how they are related. It involves measuring the variables as they naturally occur without manipulating them. Correlational studies can provide valuable insights into potential relationships between variables but cannot establish causation.


What is co relational research?

Correlational research is a type of non-experimental research design that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It seeks to determine if there is a statistical relationship between the variables, but does not imply causation. Correlational studies provide information about how variables are related and can help generate hypotheses for further research.


Why is the correlational method even considered if the experimental method is the only research method that identifies cause and effect?

While the experimental method is ideal for determining cause and effect, the correlational method is still valuable for studying relationships between variables when it's not feasible or ethical to manipulate them. Correlational studies can provide useful information about associations between variables and generate hypotheses for further experimental research.


What are the strengths and weaknesses of correlational methods of psychology?

Strengths: Correlational methods allow researchers to identify relationships between variables and make predictions, are less invasive than experimental methods, and can be used to generate hypotheses for further research. Weaknesses: Correlational studies cannot establish causal relationships between variables, are prone to third-variable problems and confounding variables, and may be limited by the quality of the measures used.


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A causality study is a research method that investigates the relationship between variables to determine if a change in one variable causes a change in another. These studies aim to establish cause-and-effect relationships through controlled experimentation or statistical analysis. The goal is to determine if there is a direct impact between the variables being studied.


Cause and effect conclusions can be drawn from what kind of studies?

Cause and effect conclusions can be drawn from experimental studies, where researchers manipulate an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. Correlational studies, on the other hand, can only show associations between variables but not causation.


What research methods allows researchers to determine causality?

Experimental research methods, such as randomized controlled trials, are often used to determine causality. By manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effect on a dependent variable while controlling for other variables, researchers can establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Additionally, longitudinal studies that track changes in variables over time can also help infer causality by establishing temporal precedence.


What are difference between correlation method and experimental method?

The correlation method examines the relationship between two variables without manipulating them, while the experimental method involves manipulating one variable to observe its effect on another. Correlation does not imply causation, whereas experimental research can establish cause-and-effect relationships. Experimental research allows for greater control over variables compared to correlational studies, making it better suited for establishing causality.


What is the benefit of conducting an experiment rather than using a different type of study?

Conducting an experiment allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables through manipulation and control of conditions. This provides more reliable and valid results compared to other types of studies, such as correlational or observational studies, which do not allow for the same level of control over variables. Additionally, experiments offer the ability to replicate findings and test hypotheses systematically.


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