Correlational Research
Not what you're looking for?
Correlational Research
As a researcher, suppose you are interested in the extent to which biological factors are associated with shyness in females. Assume you have access to 20 adopted children, all females, and you give each a shyness test. The test yields scores from 0-20 and the higher the score, the greater the degree of shyness. You also test the biological mother and the adoptive mother. Discuss the value of the correlation coefficients that you might expect to see if (a) shyness is at least partially inherited, and if (b) shyness seems to be primarily a function of the environment.
The discussion question specifically asks the student to:
Discuss the value of the correlation coefficients that you might expect to see if:
(a) shyness is at least partially inherited, and if
(b) shyness seems to be primarily a function of the environment.
Value in this context refers to the fractional number of the correlation coefficient. Yes, I am asking for expected "numbers" in two situations. What values would you expect for situations a and b above and why?
Note that in each situation there will be two values (children-biomoms; children-adopted moms).
So to fully answer the question, you should be discussing four values although selecting just one value in each situation will be acceptable as long as you are clear as to which relationship you are exploring.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
The expert examines correlational research. Whether shyness is partially inherited is determined.
Solution Preview
Hi Michael, Thanks for using BrainMass...Take care.
Shyness: (Genetic Vs. Environment) (Nature vs. Nurture): Debate
A noteworthy point in correlation research and statistics is that correlation does not necessarily mean causation. In other words, a correlation of or between two variables does not necessarily imply that one causes the reaction of or influences the other (Aldrich, 1995). A common and useful way of testing nature and nurture is through the classic twin-study method, in which researchers have compared the similarities between pairs of identical twins and same-sex fraternal twins. Adoption studies are another popular test in correlation research in which twins and their siblings that were raised together are compared to those separated by adoption. Such studies (twins and adoptees) have indicated that ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
V Axis Diagnostic Tool
It's important for all therapists to know what the V Axis Diagnostic tool is and how to use it. This quiz should be taken by learners who are not familiar with the V Axis Diagnostic Tool or who need to refresh their knowledge.
Key Psychology Theories and their Developers
Match which psychologist developed and/or contributed to which theory.
Childhood Disorders (Axis 1)
This quiz is designed to test one's knowledge on childhood Principle Disorders found in the DSM-IV (1994). This is a good quiz for those who wish to pursue a career in child assessment or child development. Good luck.
Sigmund Freud
How much do you know about Sigmund Freud's theories? Find out with this quiz!
Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages
Erik Erikson researched eight stages of psychosocial development beginning at birth and ending at death. This quiz challenges your knowledge of each stage, the corresponding age range, and the conflicts present during each stage.