Correlational Research

A correlational research design investigates relationships between variables without the

researcher controlling or manipulating any of them. It reflects the strength and/or direction of the
relationship between two (or more) variables. Correlational research is a type of non-
experimental research method in which a researcher measures two variables and understands and
assesses the statistical relationship between them with no influence from any extraneous
variable. In statistical analysis, distinguishing between categorical data and numerical data is
essential, as categorical data involves distinct categories or labels, while numerical data consists
of measurable quantities.

For example:

 Correlation between smoking and cancer

 You want to find out whether there is a correlation between the increasing population and
poverty among the people. You don’t think that an increasing population leads to
unemployment, but identifying a relationship can help you find a better answer to your
study.

How to Conduct Correlation Research?

Step 1: Select the Problem

You can select the issues according to the requirement of your research. There are three common
types of problems as follows;

o Is there any relationship between the two variables?

o How well does a variable predict another variable?
o What could be the association between a large number of variables and what predictions
you can make?

Step 2: Select the Sample

You need to select the sample carefully and randomly if necessary. Your sample size should not
be more than 30.

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Step 3: Collect the Data

There are various types of data collection methods used in correlational research. The most
common methods used for data collection are as follows:

 Surveys

In survey research, you can use questionnaires to measure your variables of interest. You can
conduct surveys online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Surveys are a quick, flexible way to
collect standardized data from many participants, but it’s important to ensure that your questions
are worded in an unbiased way and capture relevant insights.

Example: To find out if there is a relationship between vegetarianism and income, you send out
a questionnaire about diet to a sample of people from different income brackets. You statistically
analyze the responses to determine whether vegetarians generally have higher incomes.

 Naturalistic observation

Naturalistic observation is a type of field research where you gather data about a behavior or
phenomenon in its natural environment. This method often involves recording, counting,
describing, and categorizing actions and events. Naturalistic observation can include both
qualitative and quantitative elements.

Example: To find out if there is a correlation between gender and class participation, you
observe college seminars, note the frequency and duration of students’ contributions, and
categorize them based on gender. You statistically analyze the data to determine whether men
are more likely to speak up in class than women.

 Secondary data

Instead of collecting original data, you can also use data that has already been collected for a
different purpose, such as official records, polls, or previous studies. Using secondary data is
inexpensive and fast, because data collection is complete.

Example: To find out if working hours are related to mental health, you use official national
statistics and scientific studies from several different countries to combine data on average

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working hours and rates of mental illness. You statistically analyze the data to see if countries
that work fewer hours have better mental health outcomes.

Types of correlational research

Mainly three types of correlational research have been identified:

1. Positive correlation: A positive relationship between two variables is when an increase in one
variable leads to a rise in the other variable. A decrease in one variable will see a reduction in the
other variable. For example, the amount of money a person has might positively correlate with
the number of cars the person owns.

2. Negative correlation: A negative correlation is quite literally the opposite of a positive

relationship. If there is an increase in one variable, the second variable will show a decrease and
vice versa. For example, being educated might negatively correlate with the crime rate when an
increase in one variable leads to a decrease in another and vice versa. If a country’s education
level is improved, it can lower crime rates.

3. No correlation: There is no correlation between the two variables in this third type. A change
in one variable may not necessarily see a difference in the other variable. For example, being a
millionaire and happiness are not correlated. An increase in money doesn’t lead to happiness.
Advantages of Correlational Research:

 It is easy to collect much information from many subjects at single time.

 Wide range of variables and their interrelations.
 Study variables are not easily produced in the laboratory.

Disadvantages of Correlational Research:

 Does not indicate causation (cause and effect)

 Problems with self-reporting method.

Types of Research on the basis of type of Inference:

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Inductive and deductive research are two different approaches to conducting a research study.
While they are different in their orientation and methods, they can both be used to generate new
knowledge and advance scientific understanding.

1. Inductive Research

Inductive research is a bottom-up approach to research where a researcher starts with specific
observations and data and then works to generate general principles or theories. This approach
involves collecting data and analyzing it to identify patterns, themes, or categories. From these
patterns, the researcher can develop theories or concepts that can explain the observations made
in the data. Inductive research is often used in qualitative research, case studies, and grounded
theory research.

Limitations of an inductive approach:

A conclusion drawn on the basis of an inductive method can never be fully proven. However, it
can be invalidated.

Example:

You observe 1000 flights from low-cost airlines. All of them experience a delay, which is in line
with your theory. However, you can never prove that flight 1001 will also be delayed. Still, the
larger your dataset, the more reliable your conclusions.

2. Deductive Research

Deductive research is a top-down approach to research where a researcher starts with a theory or
hypothesis and then tests it through data collection and analysis. This approach involves testing a
specific hypothesis or theory and then drawing conclusions based on the results of the analysis.
Deductive research is often used in quantitative research, experimental research, and survey
research.

Limitations of a deductive approach:

The conclusions of deductive reasoning can only be true if all the premises set in the inductive
study are true and the terms are clear.

Example:

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  All dogs have fleas (premise)
 Benno is a dog (premise)
 Benno has fleas (conclusion)

Based on the premises we have, the conclusion must be true. However, if the first premise turns
out to be false, the conclusion that Benno has fleas cannot be relied upon.

https://www.scribbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Inductive-vs-deductive-reasoning.webp

Difference between Inductive and Deductive Research

Here are some key differences between inductive and deductive research:

Aspect Inductive Research Deductive Research

Orientation Bottom-up approach Top-down

approach

Data collection Data collection precedes theory Theory precedes collection of

data

Analysis Qualitative analysis Statistical analysis

Generalizability Findings are specific Findings can be generalized

Hypothesis testing Developed after analysis of data Developed before data collection

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Research focus Emerging themes or patterns from data Testing pre-existing theories