GROUP 2
JOAN SADA ACHIENG: HDE 121-C004-0399/2021
CAROLINE NKIROTE MURUNGI HDE121-C004-0681/2021
NEMA NALUAAMBARI HDE121-C004-0529-2021
LEC: MD. HANNAH
UNIT: RESEARCH METHODS
UNIT CODE :HEP 0205
UNIT NAME: PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS AND
MANAGEMENT IN KENYA
ASSIGNMENT
CORRELATION RESEARCH
A correlation research study investigates relationships between two variables or more without the
researcher controlling or manipulating any of them. It is a non-experimental type of quantitative
research.
When using a correlational study design, no variables are within the researcher direct control
or manipulation.
Correlation research is used to test strength of association between variables.
The degree and/or direction of the association between two (or more) variables is reflected in a
correlation. A correlation may go in either a positive or negative direction.
Positive correlation
Both variables shift in the same direction.
Negative correlation
The variables change in opposite direction.
Zero correlation
The variables do not relate to one another.
Advantages of correlation research
1 .Neither variable is subjected to manipulation.
There is no manipulation of either variable when you choose a correlational research study to
review them. It is this method's defining characteristic. It doesn’t matter where or how the
variables are measured, thus researchers could monitor individuals in either a public or private
setting.
2. Correlational research can be conducted using two different data collection techniques.
Both archival data and naturalistic observation can be used to generate the data for a
correlational research study. The first option is a form of field study in which persons in charge
of the work could examine circumstances in actual settings as covertly as feasible.
The use of data gathered from prior research initiatives is a key component of the second
approach.
3. Correlational research findings are more practical.
The information gained from a correlational research study is often more useful to everyday
interactions because it takes place in real-life circumstances. You don’t have to try to extrapolate
the results from a lab setting into something that fits into the typical person daily routine.
4. It provides an advantageous place to start your investigation.
The variables offer a great place to start when a correlational research study starts to examine
particular relationships or occurrences to discover if connections are there. Every variable
generates a distinct data set that can be used in a variety of ways using both known and
unknowable relationships.
5. Researchers can identify each relationship strength and direction.
We can determine the nature and magnitude of each association by using the variables that are
investigated in correlational research. This benefit enables future studies to focus on specific
findings as required to determine causation experimentally as required.
6. In correlational research, a survey approach is useful.
Surveys are a useful tool for several correlational research study approaches when trying to
gather data on a particular subject. It can show the existence of a relationship between the
variables because they are still outside of the researcher control. That makes it quick, simple,
and reasonably priced to begin examining probable effects and outcomes when researching
particular contact points.
Disadvantages of correlation research
1.Correlational analysis might take a lot of time.
Correlational research studies can have huge advantages, but they can also be expensive and
time-consuming to do. Data can only be gathered by observing or interacting with the relevant
factors directly. As a result, several possibilities must be carefully examined before it is possible
to calculate an exact coefficient. This drawback can be seen in all efforts in this category,
although it is most frequently observed in the naturalistic observation method.
2.The work quality can have a negative impact on the results.
The value of the data acquired from a correlational research study will depend on the caliber of
the work done throughout that study. The time and money invested in the attempt will be
squandered if the survey questions do not act as a sufficient trigger to create information. Even
when the study framework is somewhat flexible, a lack of diversity in the sample population
can result in subpar findings that could misdirect researchers research.
3.It wont reveal which factors influence a situation the most.
A correlational research study can assist in identifying the relationships between several
variables and a certain phenomenon. What this work is unable to produce is knowledge of the
variable(s) impacting the other. You may be aware that homes with greater incomes also tend to
have more educated members, but you are unable to say whether more education actually causes
wealthier households.
In order to gather the required data, it is therefore necessary to either assume the correlation for a
given variable or use an alternative research approach.
In conclusion
The majority of correlational research projects are in psychology. It is viewed as a preliminary
method of learning more about a certain subject or circumstance when, for one reason or another,
testing is not an option. In some relationships, it can look at more variables even though it
generally only considers two to see if a coefficient exists.
This research approach can occasionally be problematic because the researchers cannot
manipulate the factors directly. It is also the reason why it might be a common technique to
examine particular data points.
Reference
A., Mahalakshmi. “Electrocardiograms Based Electrodes, Advantages, Disadvantages,
Challenges, and
Limitations: A Methodological Review.” Journal of Advanced Research in Dynamical and
Control Systems,
vol. 12, no. 7, Institute of Advanced Scientific Research, July 2020, pp. 409–18. Crossref,
