Correlation analyses are a set of statistical tests used to determine whether there are relationships between two or more variables. At their most basic level, simple bivariate correlations, using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation test, are used to assess the initial relationship between two scale (numerical) variables. For example, a researcher might be interested in understanding the bivariate relationship between several business variables; however, it is important to note that correlation does not imply causality.
For this Assignment, you will run a Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis using the Week 5 Data File for the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient.sav data file.
Submit a synthesis of statistical findings derived from correlational analysis that follows the Week 5 Assignment Template. Your synthesis must include the following:
A description and justification for using the Pearson Product-Moment correlation test
A properly formatted research question
A properly formatted H0(null) and H1 (alternate) hypothesis
An APA-formatted “Results” section for the Pearson Product-Moment test
Identification of the statistical test
Identification of variables (there is no distinction between independent and dependent variables for the Pearson Product-Moment correlation test)
Identification of data assumptions and assessment outcome
Inferential results in correct APA statistical notation format
A properly formatted scatter plot
An explanation of the differences and similarities of correlation analysis and bivariate regression analysis
Properly APA-formatted references
An Appendix containing SPSS output (see Week 5 Assignment Exemplar)
Note: You will cut and paste the appropriate SPSS output into the Appendix. The SPSS output is not in APA format, so you will need to type the information from the SPSS output to the appropriate sections of the APA table. You must use the Week 5 Assignment Template to complete this Assignment.
Required Readings
Important Note: Some of the readings found in this course are more than 5 years old. Although we strive to use current references whenever possible, several of the articles/resources found in this course are seminal, or foundational, works.
Green, S. B., & Salkind, N. J. (2017). Using SPSS for Windows and Macintosh: Analyzing and understanding data (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Unit 8, “Correlation, Regression, and Discriminant Analysis Procedures”
Lesson 31, “Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient” ( 187–192)
Bleske-Rechek, A., Morrison, K. M., & Heidtke, L. D. (2015). Causal inference from descriptions of experimental and non-experimental research: Public understanding of correlation-versus-causationLinks to an external site.. Journal of General Psychology, 142(1), 48–70. doi:10.1080/00221309.2014.977216
Coogan, L. L. (2015). Teaching across courses: Using the concept of related markets from economics to explain statistics’ causation and correlationLinks to an external site.s. B>Quest, 1–10.
