5. Correlations

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about correlations, focusing in particular on: (i) four bivariate correlations, meaning that they are made up of an association between just two variables, as examples; (ii) the first essential characteristic of a correlation being direction; (iii) a discussion of Pearson’s R, a numeric index which quantifies the linear relationship present between two variables; (iv) scatterplots as a useful method of presenting data of this type; (v) the example correlations, linking conversation type and happiness, to demonstrate the importance of correctly interpreting correlations, to avoid incorrectly interpreting a relationship as causal.

Course

In this course, Dr Peter Allen (University of Bristol) explores the experimental structure and methodology that underlies much of the research that informs our psychological theories. In the first lecture, we introduce the gold standard of psychological research: the true experiment. In the second lecture, we break down the term ‘experiment’ by highlighting the definitions of quasi and natural experiments. In the third lecture, we think about the commonly practiced experiment alternative, the observational study – a key aspect of a natural experiment. Next, we build on module three by focusing on the self-report methods which are often used in observational studies. In the fifth lecture, we move to the post-procedure aspect of experimentation by approaching correlations and what they mean in the analysis of results. In the sixth lecture, we bring to light content analysis, a lesser studied qualitative method of categorising and analysing experimental results. In the seventh and final lecture, we think about case studies, the divisive method of study which is in equal part invaluable and useless!

Lecturer

Dr Peter Allen is a senior lecturer in the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol. Dr Allen’s research interests are in evidence-based learning and teaching in higher education, with a focus on statistical literacy; specifically on understanding the barriers that psychology students can face when learning research methods and statistics. A goal of this research is to derive strategies that can help students become better researchers and scientific thinkers. Some of Dr Allen’s recent publications include 'Training Structural Awareness with StatHand' (2022) and 'Research Performance of Academic Psychologists in the United Kingdom' (2022).