Theoretical Perspectives of Social Psychology
Romerle Johnson
ITT Technical Institution

Abstract

Psychological studies vary in design. In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occurring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then monitors its effects. It is important to be able to distinguish between correlational and experimental designs, because only well-controlled experimental designs allow conclusions about cause and effect. This paper will attempt to define the two research methods coinciding with examples and counterpoints toward each design.

Theoretical Perspectives of Social Psychology Correlational Versus Experimental Research

Correlational research is an important form of educational and psychological research. Some knowledge of correlational methods is important for both the consumption and conduct of research. A correlation is simply defined as a relationship between two variables. The whole purpose of using correlations in research is to figure out which variables are connected.
Prime example of the research can be found in most of our childhood experiences, the harmonious sound of the ice cream truck bell. This particular was the universal sound in most American neighborhoods that it was time for a delicious cold treat. Second example of this research comes from academia. The efficient student who studies is more likely to achieve a higher grade on their test, while those who don't study much are less likely to earn as high as those who do. Regarding experimental research on these phenomenons, there is no concrete evidence the same result of the stimuli occurs one hundred percent of the time. It is directly associated with the environmental relationship ques rather than scientific variables.

Experimental research involves active manipulation of