Psychology 2035A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Naturalistic Observation

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2035A/B
• Professor: Alvin Segal

Document Summary

Distinguish between positive and negative correlation, and explain what the size of a correlation coefficient means. A correlation exists when two variables are related to each other. But not show that two variables are causally related. Positive correlations : indicate that two variables covary in the same direction. High scores on variable x are related to high scores on variable y, and low scores on variable x are related to low scores on variable y. Negative correlations : indicate that two variables covary in the opposite direction. High scores on variable x are related to low scores on variable y. correlation coefficient : a numerical index of the degree of relationship that exists between two variables. -the direction (positive or negative) of the relationship. Naturalistic observation : careful observation of behavior without intervening directly with the subjects ( in natural environment )