
Correlational Research Vs Experimental Research
Correlational research and experimental research are two different research approaches used in social sciences and other fields of research.
Correlational Research
Correlational Research is a research approach that examines the relationship between two or more variables. It involves measuring the degree of association or correlation between the variables without manipulating them. The goal of correlational research is to identify whether there is a relationship between the variables and the strength of that relationship. Correlational research is typically conducted through surveys, observational studies, or secondary data analysis.
Experimental Research
Experimental Research, on the other hand, is a research approach that involves the manipulation of one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. The goal of experimental research is to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the variables. Experimental research is typically conducted in a controlled environment and involves random assignment of participants to different groups to ensure that the groups are equivalent. The data is collected through measurements and observations, and statistical analysis is used to test the hypotheses.
Difference Between Correlational Research and Experimental Research
Here’s a comparison table that highlights the differences between correlational research and experimental research:
Correlational Research | Experimental Research | |
---|---|---|
Definition | Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them | Involves the manipulation of one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable |
Goal | To identify the strength and direction of the relationship between variables | To establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables |
Data Collection | Surveys, observational studies, or secondary data analysis | Controlled experiments with random assignment of participants |
Data Analysis | Correlation coefficients, regression analysis | Inferential statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) |
Outcome | Association between variables | Causality between variables |
Example | Examining the relationship between smoking and lung cancer | Testing the effect of a new medication on a particular disease |
Also see Research Methods