The advantages and disadvantages of correlational studies: Advantages: It gives the idea about the linear relationship between two variables, whether they are correlated. Disadvantage: Correlation does not mean that one variable "caused" the other variable to change. If the change in one variable affects the change in the other variable, then we say that two variables are correlated. Types of Correlational Designs: There are many methods for correlational studies with their own strengths and weaknesses. One trendy method is called naturalistic observation, which necessitates a researcher to observe and record the natural environment without interference. One benefit of naturalistic observation is that the researcher is observing variables in a natural state. Some limitations are that it can be difficult to control the variables or to avoid outside influences from faking the results. Another type of correlational research is called the survey method. Surveys are easy on the pocket and swift, and can be used to gather information from very large sample size. However, poorly written survey questions can distort results. Another hitch is that survey results are also dependent on survey respondents, who are not always trustworthy. A third method of correlational design is archival research, which analyzes historical records .An improvement in this method is that it’s a workable way to analyze large amounts of data without expending a lot of money. …show more content…
A lapse of this particular research method is that the researcher has no way of knowing if the original data collection methods were reliable. Correlational studies are a helpful tool for conducting research. However, it must be kept in mind that no study method is perfect. Researchers must take into consideration the limitations of both their preferred research method and correlational studies as a general rule. Correlational designs may be cross-sectional, in which all observations are made at the same point with context of time, or they may be longitudinal, in which calculations are made at two or more different time points Correlation is not causation. For example, a vast majority of serial killers eats bread, but it would be absurd to say that eating bread causes you to kill people. You have to be very specific with what you are testing and make sure it is not something so vague that it applies to everything. A bad example of negative correlation is that I have this rock that repels tigers because there are no tigers around. Does the rock really repel tigers? No. Correlation is best used in medical science, but it has to be tested against a placebo, or a control set, in multiple experiments to help show the new drug's effectiveness. Regression analysis involves identifying the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. A model of the relationship is hypothesized, and estimates of the parameter values are used to develop an estimated regression equation. Various