What distinguishes correlational research from experimental research?

Correlational research identifies relationships between variables, while experimental research determines cause-and-effect relationships.

Correlational research and experimental research are two fundamental types of research methodologies in psychology. They differ primarily in their approach to studying variables and their relationships.

Correlational research is a type of non-experimental research method, in which a researcher measures two variables and assesses the statistical relationship (i.e., the correlation) between them with little or no effort to control extraneous variables. The key aspect of correlational research is that it can only suggest a relationship or correlation between variables. It cannot prove that one variable causes a change in another. For example, a correlational study might suggest that there is a relationship between academic success and self-esteem, but it cannot prove that higher self-esteem leads to academic success.

On the other hand, experimental research is a method that enables researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. In an experimental study, the researcher manipulates one variable (the independent variable) and then measures the effect of that manipulation on another variable (the dependent variable). The researcher also attempts to control other factors that might influence the outcome (known as confounding variables) through random assignment to conditions. For instance, an experimental study might manipulate the level of test anxiety (independent variable) to see its effect on exam performance (dependent variable).

The main distinguishing factor between these two types of research is the degree of control that the researcher has over the variables in the study. In experimental research, the researcher has a high degree of control over the environment and can manipulate one or more variables. This control allows for a stronger inference of causality. In contrast, correlational research involves observing natural occurrences and measuring the relationship between them, without any manipulation or control over the variables.

In summary, while both correlational and experimental research are valuable in psychology, they serve different purposes and provide different types of information. Correlational research is useful for identifying potential relationships between variables, while experimental research is essential for understanding cause-and-effect relationships.