The most common way to calculate the correlation coefficient (r) is by using technology, but using the formula can help us understand how r measures the direction and strength of the linear association between two quantitative variables.

The Introduction to Psychology course was developed through the Ohio Department of Higher Education OER Innovation Grant. This work was completed and the course was posted in September 2018. The course is part of the Ohio Transfer Module and is also named OSS015. For more information about credit transfer between Ohio colleges and universities please visit: www.ohiohighered.org/transfer.Team LeadVincent Granito                                    Lorain County Community CollegeContent ContributorsNicole Brandt                                       Columbus State Community CollegeLynne Gabriel                                      Lakeland Community CollegeJackie Sample                                     Central Ohio Technical CollegeLibrarianRachel Dilley                                       Columbus State Community CollegeReview TeamMelissa Beers                                      Ohio State UniversityBryan Gerber                                        Stark State College

 How to Use this GuideThis guide provides information and resources on introducing the different research methods that have been used in the field of psychology. All resources are Open Access and can be downloaded or added to a Course Management System (LMS) via the hyperlinks.  IntroductionOne of the key takeaways from the Introduction to Psychology class should be that psychology is a science.  Our discipline can be distinguished from pseudo-science or common sense through the various research approaches in the field.  The instructor should provide a survey of the different methods, including examples and strengths and weaknesses to each approach.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain what a correlation coefficient tells us about the relationship between variables
Recognize that correlation does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between variables
Discuss our tendency to look for relationships between variables that do not really exist
Explain random sampling and assignment of participants into experimental and control groups
Discuss how experimenter or participant bias could affect the results of an experiment
Identify independent and dependent variables