Prep Guide 7
Chapter 8 (pp. 203-227): Bivariate Correlational Research
INTRODUCING BIVARIATE CORRELATIONS
1. Define bivariate association. At a minimum, how many variables are there in an
association claim? What key characteristic of a study makes it correlational? Briefly,
describe how your lab study variables are considered measured variables.
2. Using your lab study as an example, explain what makes your variable quantitative.
Describe how one of your variables could be measured categorically. Using your two
variables and Table 8.4:
a. Sketch a scatterplot showing your predicted correlation between the two
variables. State the approximate value of the correlation (i.e., r values).
b. Sketch a bar graph showing your predicted correlation between the two
variables. State the approximate value of these correlation.
INTERROGATING ASSOCIATION CLAIMS
3. In one or two brief sentences, explain how you would interrogate the construct
validity of a bivariate correlation. **Be sure to discuss reliability and validity. Using your
lab study, describe how you would assess the reliability and validity of the surveys
you plan to use.
4. This question pertains to statistical validity questions 1-3. Define strength and
precision of a correlation. When defining strength, be sure to state the range of a
coefficient correlation and what the sign tells you. When defining precision be sure to
define a confidence interval and statistical significance. Finally, using your lab study
as an example, hypothesize a specific correlation coefficient you expect to find (e.g.,
r = -0.21) along with a reasonable confidence interval.
5. This question pertains to statistical validity questions 4-6. These questions describe
factors that may distort associations. Explain how outliers, restriction of range, and
nonlinear relationships can impact a researcher’s conclusions about a bivariate
association.
6. Which of the three rules of causation is almost always met by a bivariate correlation?
Which two rules might not be met by a correlational study? Define internal validity or
the third-variable problem. Give an example of a spurious association.
7. Define moderator variable. If we found that gender moderates the relationship
between deep talk and well-being, what might that mean? **Feel free to draw a graph
and describe it to answer the question.
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 11-14-2025 04:38:48 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251703236/PG7-ch8docx/
Chapter 8 (pp. 203-227): Bivariate Correlational Research
INTRODUCING BIVARIATE CORRELATIONS
1. Define bivariate association. At a minimum, how many variables are there in an
association claim? What key characteristic of a study makes it correlational? Briefly,
describe how your lab study variables are considered measured variables.
2. Using your lab study as an example, explain what makes your variable quantitative.
Describe how one of your variables could be measured categorically. Using your two
variables and Table 8.4:
a. Sketch a scatterplot showing your predicted correlation between the two
variables. State the approximate value of the correlation (i.e., r values).
b. Sketch a bar graph showing your predicted correlation between the two
variables. State the approximate value of these correlation.
INTERROGATING ASSOCIATION CLAIMS
3. In one or two brief sentences, explain how you would interrogate the construct
validity of a bivariate correlation. **Be sure to discuss reliability and validity. Using your
lab study, describe how you would assess the reliability and validity of the surveys
you plan to use.
4. This question pertains to statistical validity questions 1-3. Define strength and
precision of a correlation. When defining strength, be sure to state the range of a
coefficient correlation and what the sign tells you. When defining precision be sure to
define a confidence interval and statistical significance. Finally, using your lab study
as an example, hypothesize a specific correlation coefficient you expect to find (e.g.,
r = -0.21) along with a reasonable confidence interval.
5. This question pertains to statistical validity questions 4-6. These questions describe
factors that may distort associations. Explain how outliers, restriction of range, and
nonlinear relationships can impact a researcher’s conclusions about a bivariate
association.
6. Which of the three rules of causation is almost always met by a bivariate correlation?
Which two rules might not be met by a correlational study? Define internal validity or
the third-variable problem. Give an example of a spurious association.
7. Define moderator variable. If we found that gender moderates the relationship
between deep talk and well-being, what might that mean? **Feel free to draw a graph
and describe it to answer the question.
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 11-14-2025 04:38:48 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251703236/PG7-ch8docx/
