INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY-PSY 100

Experimental vs. Correlational Methodologies

Psychological studies can be conducted through two major designs namely experimental research and correlational research. Understanding the differences and similarities between these methodologies is important for designing a good psychological study. One major similarity between experimental research and correlational research is that both use experiments to gather data and test theories. However, in correlational studies the researcher focuses more on establishing a connection between naturally occurring variables (Hockenbury & Sandra 25). On the other hand, researcher use the experimental method to understand the relationship between the causes and effects by analyzing why changes occur in one variable and how such change can affect the other variable. In other words, in the experimental method the researcher has to introduce a certain change and later monitor its effects.

The major strength of using the correlational method is that the researcher is able to understand complex relationships between two variables. The correlational method allows the researcher to calculate the correlation coefficient, which is a numerical indicator that shows how strong two factors are related (Hockenbury & Sandra 26). This means that the researcher can make some predictions on whether two variables have a relationship or not hence making the search for causes and effects between such factors a waste of time. The problem with correlation is that although two variables have a relationship, the researcher cannot be certain of the causes and effects of such a relationship. For instance, when measuring the average test and consumption of caffeine and both show a relationship where a higher test performance is related to increased caffeine, we cannot be certain that the greater test performance was caused by caffeine. Experimental method on the other hand allows researcher to utilize and control many variables. For instance, through the experimental method the researchers can manipulate variables to enable them observe the specific phenomena they want by controlling other factors that could otherwise affect the results. However, while researchers try to minimize or control unwanted variability and influences, they are unable to control all the aspects involved in the experimental method (Hockenbury & Sandra 28). It makes us understand that most researchers try implementing different experimental controls to minimize the effect of uncontrolled factors on the overall outcome.

Works Cited

Hockenbury, Don H., and Sandra E. Hockenbury. Discovering psychology. Six Edition Macmillan, 2014