Which of the following is an example of correlational research?
A A historian studies factors leading to the elections of five previous presidential candidates
B
A researcher tracks colon cancer rates in drinkers versus nondrinkers to determine differences in rates between the two groups
A researcher interviews workers to see if they would support a minimum wage of $15 per hour
A researcher randomly assigns study participants into 3 groups for a medication trial
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct example of correlational research is:
B: A researcher tracks colon cancer rates in drinkers versus nondrinkers to determine differences in rates between the two groups.
Explanation:
Correlational research involves exploring relationships between two or more variables without manipulating them. The goal is to determine whether there is a statistical association between the variables, but it does not establish cause and effect. In this case, the researcher is comparing the rates of colon cancer between drinkers and nondrinkers to see if there is a relationship between alcohol consumption and the incidence of colon cancer. No variable is being manipulated; the researcher is simply observing natural occurrences and analyzing whether there is a correlation between these factors.
Why the other options are not correlational research:
- A historian studies factors leading to the elections of five previous presidential candidates:
This is an example of historical research, where the historian is examining past events to understand the factors influencing elections. It does not involve the comparison of variables or statistical relationships typical of correlational research. - A researcher interviews workers to see if they would support a minimum wage of $15 per hour:
This is an example of survey research or descriptive research, where the goal is to gather opinions or attitudes from workers on a specific issue. It is not examining a relationship between two or more variables but is instead focused on gathering data on opinions. - A researcher randomly assigns study participants into 3 groups for a medication trial:
This is an example of experimental research, where the researcher manipulates an independent variable (the medication) to measure its effects on a dependent variable (health outcomes). In experimental research, the researcher controls variables, making it distinct from correlational research, which does not involve manipulation of variables.
In summary, correlational research looks for relationships between variables without controlling or manipulating them, making option B the best fit.