Correlational Research: Definition, Types and Examples Essay Example

be.

There are lots of other advantages:

• you get the results which can be used for everyday life because the investigation is carried out outside the laboratory;
• each new correlation research can become the basis of the further studies;
• the scientist can determine the intensiveness of interconnection between variables. This information can narrow down the topic of investigation and even identify causal relationships;
• methods for survey are not important. That is why, you can use even the most convenient and cheapest forms such as mobile phones, Internet, polls.

Disadvantages of Correlational Research

The principal disadvantage of the descriptive/correlational research method is the inability to find reasons about why some relations exist. The study can show which elements correlate with a certain tendency, but no causes can be explained.

There are some other disadvantages:

• it is impossible to determine which element is the first to provoke correlation;
• most scientists cannot consider other tertiary variables which can be causing the relationship;
• the response rate is not very high because not all people will have a desire to help you with the survey;
• there is no guarantee that people don’t lie during your survey;
• false conclusions can be made because of the aforementioned disadvantages.

Correlational Research Examples

There are lots of examples of variables which you can choose for your paper. Look through the following possible variants.

1. Longevity and close family relationships.
2. Internet usage and bad eyes conditions.
3. Effect “Placebo” and cancer recovery.
4. Individualization in education and higher student’s scores.
5. Monetary motivation and better performance.

Here is the example of an interrelational study about individualization in foreign language lessons and student’s performance in the class.

“Efficiency of the foreign language learning depends on the clear and

flexible organization of the learning process during lessons, the teacher's ability to take into account the actual assimilation of the material, and individual characteristics of each student.

Relying on pedagogical, psychological research, science, the methodology of teaching foreign languages is increasingly looking for ways to optimize individualized learning.  Taking into account individual peculiarities is the first step for implementing

the individualization for foreign language learning. An individual approach fosters the development of all kinds of speech activities: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Active and constant use of methods and means of the individualized learning positively affects the level of knowledge, skills, and students’ final grades.”

Depending on your topic, the paper will have specific strategies for survey and analysis. Although each research work may differ, the basic steps for doing the investigation are the same. Pay attention to the subtleties of your theme and show the logical correlation in your paper.