Correlation

Definition

A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables are related.

Example

Correlation is measured on a scale of -1.0 to 1.0. Scores closer to zero indicate an insignificant relationship between two variables. Negative scores indicate a negative relationship - one variable increases when the other decreases. Positive scores indicate a positive relationship. One variable increases when the other increases.

Correlation does not indicate causation.

While there is a positive correlation between job satisfaction and self-esteem, it cannot be determined from the correlation whether one causes the other. It can only be stated that the relationship exists.

Why it Matters

Correlation is important because it helps us spot patterns between variables — like noticing that higher self-esteem often goes hand-in-hand with greater job satisfaction. It doesn’t prove one causes the other, but it gives researchers a starting point for asking deeper questions and designing better studies.

Related Terms

• measurement
• quantitative research