33 which the researcher uses a correlational statistical technique to describe and
measure the degree of association or relation between two or more variables or sets of scores. Moreover, it was carried to seek out interrelation between or among
variables. In its application, “it involves collecting data in order to determine whether, and to what degree, a relation exists between two or more quantifiable
variables” Gay: 1992, p.264.
There is no manipulation of variables in Correlational Research. Relations among two or more variables are studied without any attempt to influence them.
This investigates the possibility of relations between two variables. What includes
in Confirmatory Survey research are Concept Level:
1 Discover the logical truth
2 Empirical truth
3 Validation of the logical and empirical truth
a. The Steps of Correlational Survey Research Technique
In a correlational study, hypotheses or research questions are stated at the beginning of the study. The null hypotheses are often used in a correlational
study. Correlational study does not specify cause-and-effect relationships between variables under consideration. It merely specifies concomitant variations in the
scores on the variables. The steps according to Theodore 2002: 1
Selection of a Problem
Correlational study is designed a to determine whether and how a set of variables are related, or b to test the hypothesis of expected relation between
among the set of two or more variables. The variables to be included in the study need to be selected on the basis of a sound theory or prior research or observation
34 and experience. There has to be some logical connections between the variables so
as to make interpretations of the findings of the study more meaningful, valid and scientific. A Correlational study is not done just to find out what exists: it is done
for the ultimate purpose of explanation and prediction of phenomena. If a Correlational study is done just to find out what exists, it is usually known as a
‘shot gun’ approach and the findings of such a study are very difficult to interpret.
2 Selection of the Sample and the Tools
The minimum acceptable sample size should be 30, as statistically, it is regarded as a large sample. The sample is generally selected using one of the
acceptable sampling methods. If the validity and the reliability of the variables to be studied are low, the measurement error is likely to be high and hence the
sample size should be large. Thus it is necessary to ensure that valid and reliable
tools are used for the purpose of collecting the data. 3
Design and Procedure
The basic design of a correlational study is simple. It requires scores obtained on two or more variables from each unit of the sample and the
correlation coefficient between the paired scores is computed which indicates the degree and direction of the relation between variables.
4 Interpretation of the Findings:
In a study designed to explore or test hypothesized relations, a correlation coefficient is interpreted in terms of significance. We perform a hypothesis test of
the significance of the correlation coefficient to decide whether the linear PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
35 relationship in the sample data is strong enough to use to model the relationship in
the population. The correlation coefficient, r, tells about the strength of the linear relationship between x and y.
b. Characteristics of Correlational Survey Research
Correlational research is aimed at determining the nature, degree and direction of relationships between variables or using these relationships to make
predictions. Correlational studies typically investigate a number of variables expected to be related to a major, complex variable.
According to Butler, R.
2014, the characteristics of Correlational Survey research are:
1 Correlational studies are carried out to explain important human behavior or to
predict likely outcomes identify relations among variables. 2
If a relation of sufficient magnitude exists between two variables, it becomes possible to predict a score on either variable if a score on the other variable is
known Prediction Studies. 3
The variable that is used to make the prediction is called the predictor variable. 4
The variable about which the prediction is made is called the criterion variable predicted variable.
5 Both scatterplots and regression lines are used in correlational studies to
predict a score on a criterion variable 6
A predicted score is never exact. Through a prediction equation see p. 585, researchers use a predicted score and an index of prediction error standard
error of estimate to conclude if the score is likely to be incorrect. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
