Learn all about correlational research with definitions of correlational research, examples of correlational research, and methods of correlational research.
Start your Correlational Research with Voxco
SHARE THE ARTICLE ON
In investigating the potential correlation between vegetarianism and a healthy body, a dietician may opt for a correlational research approach. In this method, the researcher passively observes the subjects without actively intervening. By studying a diverse group of individuals with various diets—vegan, non-vegetarian, and vegetarian—the dietician can statistically analyze the data to discern any potential associations between dietary choices and health outcomes.
This is where Correlational Research comes in. Correlational research provides an ideal framework for exploring relationships between variables without manipulating them directly. This approach allows the researcher to assess whether individuals adhering to a vegetarian diet exhibit differences in health compared to those with other dietary patterns.
Free-10 mins consultation with our experts
Correlational research refers to a type of non-experimental research method that evaluates the relationship between the variables with the help of statistical analysis.
Correlational research design does not study the effects of extraneous variables on the variables under study.
In terms of market research, a correlational study is generally used to study quantitative data and identify whether any patterns, trends, or insights exist between consumer behavior and market variables such as; advertisements, discounts, as well as discounts on products.
Correlational research design is useful for all kinds of quantitative data sets, but it is commonly used within market research. Market researchers find it useful to use correlational design with Customer Effort Score Surveys and their association with sales; Customer Experience (CX) and its relationship with customer loyalty, as well as Net Promoter Score Surveys and its correlation with brand image or management.
These surveys include many relevant questions that make them ideal to study in correlational research design. In market research, correlational methods help in isolating variables and seeing how they interact with each other.
Also read: What is Descriptive Research?
40+ Question Types, white-labeling, skip-logic, multi-lingual, CSS customization
A correlation coefficient measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables. Its values range from -1 to 1, where:
Correlational research is used across myriad fields such as economics, finance, social sciences, and more. It provides a quantitative measure of the relationship between variables and allow
Correlational research design is a type of research methodology used to investigate the relationship between two or more variables. In this method, researchers examine whether changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable. Unlike experimental research, correlational research does not involve manipulating variables or establishing causality between them.
In correlational research, researchers measure variables as they naturally occur, without intervening or controlling them. The main objective is to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between variables. This is typically done by calculating correlation coefficients, such as Pearson’s correlation coefficient or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.
Here’s an example of correlational research:
Consider a hypothetical study on hypertension and marital satisfaction where a researcher is aiming to study the relationship between disease (hypertension) and marital satisfaction. If the researcher finds a negative correlation between these two variables indicating that as marital satisfaction increases, experiences of hypertension decrease.
However, this does not mean that marital dissatisfaction is causing hypertension, it just highlights an association between them. In correlational research design, none of the variables under study are manipulated or changed. They are just measured and the associations between them are observed or examined.
For instance, you want to understand if there is a correlation between how much you earn and spend.
You may carry out correlational research to see if any relationship between the two exists.
If you find out positive correlation it indicates that as the amount of earning increases the spending also increases.
Let’s look at another example of correlational research.
“Voxco made our job easier with the right amount of sophistication and flexibility.”
Sarah Sousa, Senior Research Associate, HRI
To understand it better, let’s take a look at some of the crucial characteristics of correlational research which are as follows:
Correlational research is a non-experimental method. It indicates that investigators do not have to use the formal technique to modify factors in agreeing or dispute with such a concept. The investigator just analyzes and examines the relationship among variables, not changing or modifying them in any way.
Correlational study that is solely willing to look backwards at historical information and observe the past. It is used by scientists to assess and identify long term trends among 2 factors. A correlational analysis may reveal an advantageous association between variables, but that link might shift in the upcoming years.
Correlational study results involving 2 factors that are never static and are continually evolving. Based on a variety of causes, two parameters with a negative correlation in the prior may well have a positive correlation connection in the future.
Now that we’ve studied its characteristics, let’s move to understanding the different types of correlation research that exist.
Also read: Sampling Methods
Send your survey to the right people to receive quality responses.
Typically there are three types of correlational research:
A positive correlation demonstrates that there is a positive relationship between the two variables. In this kind of relation, as one variable increases, the other variable also increases. For example, the number of cars a person owns is positively correlated with their income. More the income, more the number of cars.
A negative correlation indicates that there is a negative relationship between the two variables. In this kind of correlation, as one variable increases, the other variable decreases. For instance, a negative relationship between levels of stress and life satisfaction indicates that as stress levels increase, life satisfaction decreases.
Zero correlation demonstrates that there is no relationship between the the variables. A change in one variable does not cause any changes in the other variable. An example of zero correlation is the relationship between intelligence and height. An increase in height does not lead to any changes in the intelligence of an individual.
In naturalistic observation, the participants of the study are observed in their natural environments. This observation is a kind of field study. For instance, it can involve observing participants in grocery stores, cinemas, playgrounds, schools, etc.
Researchers who use it as a means of data collection observe individuals as unobtrusively as possible as participant behavior may be influenced if they know they are being monitored.
For instance, if you are observing consumers in a grocery store and the kind of items they usually buy, it is ethically acceptable as customers know that they are subjected to being observed in public spaces. The insights collected in a naturalistic environment can be qualitative or quantitative.
Archival data is another approach to collect data for correlational research design. This type of data has been collected previously by doing similar studies. Archival data is usually collected through primary research. Archival data tends to be more straightforward as compared to the data collected through naturalistic observation. There is no scope for the observer effect in archival data.
For instance, assessing the average customer satisfaction with electronic products for a particular brand in America is straightforward.
Also read: Exploratory Research
Correlational research comes with a distinct set of advantages:
Now, let’s explore some of the disadvantages
While there are many advantages of leveraging correlational research, it does have its limitations. These include:
See how Voxco can help enhance your research efficiency.
While correlation does not imply causation, it’s important to note that causation does imply correlation. Correlational research serves as a crucial stepping-stone toward the more powerful experimental method. Despite its limitations, correlational research remains highly valuable. Recent advancements in correlational designs have enabled researchers to draw limited causal inferences, enhancing its utility.
Findings from correlational research play a pivotal role in determining prevalence and relationships among variables. Moreover, they are instrumental in forecasting events based on current data and knowledge. This allows researchers, analysts, and decision-makers to gain insights into complex phenomena and make informed decisions across various domains.
When a study identifies and establishes a relationship between two or more naturally occurring variables with one another. For example, studying the relationship between alcohol consumption and unemployment.
Correlational research refers to a type of non-experimental research method that evaluates the relationship between two variables with the help of statistical analysis.
The key difference between correlational research and experimental research is that in correlational research, the researcher looks for a statistical pattern linking 2 naturally-occurring variables while in experimental research, the researcher introduces a catalyst and monitors its effects on the variables.
When a research design is being investigated solely on the basis of its variables without any interference from researcher manipulation or control. For example, weight; where the value differs naturally and it can’t be manipulated by the involved researcher.
This main goal of correlational research is to quantify the strength and direction of the relationship between variables without necessarily establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
Read more
Virtual Call Centre SHARE THE ARTICLE ON Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Table of Contents What are Virtual Call Centres? A
Efficient Data Collection & Analysis: How to Save Time & Increase Accuracy with Voxco SHARE THE ARTICLE ON Table of Contents Kickstart your market research
Data Migration: What is it? SHARE THE ARTICLE ON Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Table of Contents Introduction Many businesses are
15 Phone Survey Best Practices SHARE THE ARTICLE ON Table of Contents In the world of conducting phone survey research, whether you’re running a call
Data Mining: Unleash the Power of Your Data Exclusive Step by Step guide to Descriptive Research Get ready to uncover the how, when, what, and
Version 6.11 of Voxco online is live! Introducing additional customization options for ‘New Look & Feel’ and a new question type- ‘Carousel’ Make your surveys
English
French
