Correlation Exercises - University of Kentucky



Chapter 4 Exercise

Correlation

INSTRUCTIONS: Read each of the descriptions below.  Then determine whether the relationship described suggests a positive or negative correlation.  Then consider why we might find this relationship.  The more you think about the correlation suggested the more possible explanations for this relationship you are likely to find.  This highlights why causality cannot be established through correlational research.

Scenario A

A researcher finds that students who attend fewer classes get poorer grades.

a) Is this a positive or negative correlation?

b) Why might we find a relationship between attendance and grades?

Scenario B

Cities with more stores selling pornography have higher rates of violence.

 

a) Is this a positive or negative correlation?

b) Why might we find a relationship between pornography and violence?

Scenario C

The longer couples have been together the more similar they are in their attitudes and opinions.

 

a) Is this a positive or negative correlation?

b) Why might we find a relationship between attitudes and opinions?

Moral of the Lesson: In each case above there was more than one explanation for why we might find the relationship between the variables.  Since we cannot rule out these alternative explanations, we cannot conclude that changes in one variable "caused" changes in the other variable. Thus, CORRELATION does not equal CAUSATION.

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