W5 - Phat - Correlation (Autosaved)

WEEK 5
CORRELATION
TRAN TAN PHAT

NGUYEN TAT THANH UNIVERSITY
Email: ttphat@ntt.edu.vn
Introduction to correlation
• Correlation exists in many situations.
• Correlation describes the relationship between
variables,
• This chapter introduces and explores correlational
Definitions of correlation
analysis for L2 research.
-Correlational research is ideal for gathering data quickly

from natural settings.
-Correlational research can provide insights into complex
real-world relationships, helping researchers develop
theories and make predictions.
Correlation Tests
Correlation tests determine the extent to which two variables are associated.
Nguyen Huu Cuong, PhD – Lesson 4 Inferential Statistics

Inferential Statistics in L2 Research
• enhance researchers’ knowledge about language
learning, use, assessment, and pedagogy
• use a sample of learners with different levels of
vocabulary knowledge and different levels of reading
comprehension
1. The researchers quantified learners’ vocabulary knowledge and their
reading comprehension through the use of research instruments
(e.g., vocabulary and reading comprehension tests).
2. They input the vocabulary and reading scores into an SPSS

spreadsheet. The two variables were (1) vocabulary test scores, and
(2) reading comprehension test scores.
3. They computed the correlation coefficient between the two variables,

and used it to evaluate the strength of the relationship between the
Types of Correlation
Positive Correlation
There is a positive (linear) correlation when the variable on the x-axis increases
as the variable on the y-axis increases. This is shown by an upwards sloping
straight regression line.
Negative
Correlation
There is a negative (linear) correlation when one variable increases as the other
variable decreases. This is shown by a downwards sloping straight regression line.
Effect Size
Effect size is a quantitative measure of the magnitude of the experimental
effect. The larger the effect size, the stronger the relationship between two
variables.
The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient is measured on a standard

scale. It can only range between -1.0 and +1.0. As such, we can interpret the
correlation coefficient as representing an effect size. It tells us the strength of the
relationship between the two variables.
Effect Size
Cohen’s is an appropriate effect size for the comparison between two
means. It can be used, for example, to accompany the reporting
d of t-test and ANOVA results. It is also widely used in meta-
analysis.
Cohen suggested that d = 0.2 be considered a “small” effect size, 0.5 represents a
“medium” effect size and 0.8 a “large” effect size. This means that if the difference
between two groups’ means is less than 0.2 standard deviations, the difference is
negligible, even if it is statistically significant.
Effect Size
How do you know if an effect size is small or large?
• Effect sizes can be categorized into small, medium, or large according to

Cohen’s criteria.
• Cohen’s d can take on any number
between 0 and infinity, while
Pearson’s r ranges between -1 and 1.
• In general, the greater the
Cohen’s d, the larger the effect size.
• For Pearson’s r, the closer the value
is to 0, the smaller the effect size. A
value closer to -1 or 1 indicates a
higher effect size.
Pearson’s r also tells you something about the direction of the relationship:
• A positive value (e.g., 0.7) means both variables either increase or decrease together.
• A negative value (e.g., -0.7) means one variable increases as the other one decreases (or vice versa).
Nguyen Huu Cuong, PhD – Lesson 4 Inferential Statistics
A scatter plot
A scatter plot (aka scatter chart, scatter graph) uses dots to represent
values for two different numeric variables. The position of each dot on the
horizontal and vertical axis indicates values for an individual data point.
Scatter plots are used to observe relationships between variables.
Types of a scatter plot
A simple scatter plot using SPSS Statistics
SPSS Statistics
Example
There was a linear relationship between

cholesterol concentration (a type of fat in the
blood) and the time spent watching TV in
otherwise healthy 45 to 65 year old men (an at-risk
category of people for heart disease).
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
A simple
scatter plot
using SPSS
Statistics
The Pearson correlation
-The Pearson product-moment correlation
coefficient (Pearson’s correlation) describes the
relationship between two continuous variables.
-used for numeric variables on continuous scales such

as interval and ratio scales
-five statistical assumptions:

(1) Pairs of data are related (i.e. X and Y scores are from the
same person); (2) continuous or interval-like data; (3) normal
distribution; (4) linearity (i.e. the X–Y relationship can be
represented as a straight line; see scatter plot below); and
(5) a spread of score variability.
Pearson Correlation using SPSS Statistics
SPSS Statistics
Example
There was an association between height and

long jump performance by running a Pearson's
correlation.
Pearson
Correlation
using SPSS
Statistics
Pearson
Correlation
using SPSS
Statistics
Pearson
Correlation
using SPSS
Statistics
Pearson
Correlation
using SPSS
Statistics
Pearson Correlation using SPSS Statistics
Output for Pearson correlation

Point biserial correlation
A point-biserial correlation is used to measure the strength and direction of

the association that exists between one continuous variable and one
dichotomous variable.
It is a special case of the Pearson corelation, which is applied when you have
two continuous variables, whereas in this case one of the variables is
measured on a dichotomous scale.
Point biserial correlation using SPSS Statistics
SPSS Statistics
Example
There is a relationship between gender and

engagement in the Internet advert.
The Internet advert is shown to 20 men and 20
women who are asked to complete an online
survey that measures their engagement with the
advertisement.
Point biserial
correlation
using SPSS
Statistics
References
1.Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research Methods in Education
(8th ed.). Routledge.
2.Cristobal, E., Flavian, C., & Guinaliu, M. (2007). Perceived e-service quality
(PeSQ): Measurement validation and effects on consumer satisfaction and web
site loyalty. Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, 17(3), 317-340.
https://doi.org/10.1108/09604520710744326
3.Johnson, R. B. & Christensen, L. (2020). Educational research: Quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed approaches (7th ed.). Sage.
4.Phakiti, A. (2018). Experimental research methods in language learning.
http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB17973033
5.Roever, C., & Phakiti, A. (2017). Quantitative methods for Second Language
Research. In Routledge ebooks. http://doi.org/10.4324/9780203067659
Thank you very much!

W5 - Phat - Correlation (Autosaved)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

W5 - Phat - Correlation (Autosaved)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

W5 - Phat - Correlation (Autosaved)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

WEEK 5

TRAN TAN PHAT

-Correlational research is ideal for gathering data quickly

Nguyen Huu Cuong, PhD – Lesson 4 Inferential Statistics

2. They input the vocabulary and reading scores into an SPSS

3. They computed the correlation coefficient between the two variables,

The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient is measured on a standard

• Effect sizes can be categorized into small, medium, or large according to

There was a linear relationship between

-used for numeric variables on continuous scales such

-five statistical assumptions:

There was an association between height and

Output for Pearson correlation

A point-biserial correlation is used to measure the strength and direction of

There is a relationship between gender and

You might also like