Author Question: Describe the differences between a correlational study and differential research. What will be an ... (Read 136 times)

Lobcity · **on:** Jun 19, 2018

Describe the differences between a correlational study and differential research.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Data analysis has important implications for conclusion validity.

a. True
b. False
Indicate whether the statement is true or false

jonathanballen97 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Although both a correlational study and differential research examine the relationship between variables, they differ in how they accomplish that. The difference between these two research strategies is that a correlational study looks directly at the two variables to determine whether they are related whereas a differential design establishes the existence of a relationship by demonstrating a difference between groups. Specifically, a differential design uses one of the two variables to create groups of participants and then measures the second variable to obtain scores within each group. If there is a consistent difference between groups, the researcher has evidence for a relationship between the two variables. A correlational study examining the same relationship would first measure the two variables for each participant, and then looks for a pattern within the set of scores. Note that the correlational study involves one group of participants with two scores for each individual. The primary focus of the correlational study is on the relationship between the two variables. The differential study involves two groups with one score for each participant. The primary focus of the differential study is on the difference between groups. However, both designs are asking the same basic question: Is there a relationship between self-esteem and academic performance?

Answer to Question 2

True