Which of the following best describes correlational research?

A) Exerting experimental control.
B) Manipulating an independent variable.
C) Manipulating a dependent variable.
D) Making systematic observations.

Learning Objectives

• Distinguish and interpret fundamental research strategies and variables within psychology studies, detailing the contribution of experimental and control groups, independent and dependent variables, as well as the empirical method.
• Decode the notions of correlation and causation as they apply to experimental psychology, with a specific look at how correlation coefficients demonstrate the strength and direction of relationships between variables.