Correlational Studies
Correlational research involves collecting data to determine whether, and to what degree, a relationship exists between two or more quantifiable variables. The degree of relationship is expressed as a correlational coefficient as determined by the most common interval data analysis method, the product moment coefficient, usually referred to as the Pearson r. If a relationship exists between two variables, it means that scores within a certain range on one variable are associated with scores within a certain range on the other variable. The purpose of a correlational study may be to determine relationships between variables or to use these relationships to make predictions (Gay, 2006).