Answer to Question #232508 in Psychology for reeds

Question

1.    Describe the defining features of correlational research, and why is it inappropriate to draw causal inferences from correlational data.

Answer 1

The distinctive feature of correlational research is that the researcher can't manipulate either of the variables involved. It doesn't matter how or where the variables are measured. A researcher could observe participants in a closed environment or a public setting. It is also backwards-looking that is Correlational research only looks back at historical data and observes events in the past. Researchers use it to measure and spot historical patterns between two variables. A correlational study may show a positive relationship between two variables, but this can change in the future.

The last defining feature for correlational research is that it is dynamic meaning that the patterns between two variables from correlational research are never constant and are always changing. Two variables having a negative correlation in the past can have a positive correlation relationship in the future due to various factors.

The limitation of drawing causal inferences from correlational research designs is that they cannot be used to draw conclusions about the causal relationships among the measured variables. Secondly, correlational research designs measure two or more relevant variables and assess a relationship between or among them. Therefore the possibility of common-causal variables makes it impossible to draw causal conclusions from correlational research designs.