Correlational Research

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Correlational Research in psychology

Research in psychology relies on two primary categories of methodologies. One of the categories is correlational research, and the other one is experimental. Each of these two categories plays a significant role in research and is responsible for providing various aspects. Variables are the key differentiating aspects between the two categories in a research. Correlational research involves using statistics to determine the relationship between the involved variables (Schmidt, n.d.). Firstly, the research methodology involves identifying hypothesis and theories that two available variables are connected. In turn, this makes correlational study a quantitative research. The next step involves scrutinizing and grouping each of the variables with an aim of separating them. At this stage, researchers find as many details as possible about the subject under investigation. This is done using varying methods depending on the required information about a subject. Observation, for example, is a method that researchers apply in gathering information under correlational research. Taking surveys and handing out questionnaires are other methodologies that researchers apply in acquiring new information related to the subjects under scrutiny. Researchers also explore archived information about a subject with an aim of unraveling new information about the subject in a study.

Correlational research involves two variables that have a link. In this case, aggressiveness and performance are two variables that have a relationship. Aggressiveness is a variable that can relate to someone’s performance at work. In addition, it is an aspect in life that is easily triggered by different factors. These factors include life’s challenges where one has to be aggressive to overcome hurdles in life. Additionally, aggression can be triggered by goals in life. Just like hard work, aggression is a necessary ingredient required to attain great success in life (Waters, 2013). Therefore, aggression is easily brought out in a person by the urge to make a big achievement. As such, research of aggression can be based on a noticeable factor such as a life goal. Performance is something that workers strive to achieve at their places of work. They work with diligence as they look forward to impressing their employers and possibly attaining rewards. Performance is a factor that can be measured using different methods. For example, it is possible to quantify it by the number of products one processes within a defined period. The two variables presented in this case can be identified by making critical observations, which is one of the methodologies applied in correlational research.

Results obtained upon carrying out a study on one’s performance at work based on personal aggression can lead to several changes. The results can be used in various ways, but more importantly to improve the work place functionality. Often, employers aim at improving productivity at the place of work and they do that by checking their employees’ performance. Hence, the results attained from studying employees’ performance and aggression can be used to formulate means of improving productivity. Employers can coin triggers that can help employees achieve the required level of aggression. Such triggers include placing incentives, achievable deadlines, and workloads. Consequently, employees work with a mindset that they need to complete projects within the expected standards to attain the incentives set aside for them (Waters, 2013). Employers can use the results to know the areas in a workplace that need adjustments. However, some areas may be performing as expected while some may be in need of improvement.

References

Schmidt, R. S. (n.d.). Correlational research. Research methods. Retrieved on 20 September 2013 from http://capone.mtsu.edu/sschmidt/methods/correlational.html

Waters, J. (2013). Conducting correlational research. Capilano University. Retrieved on 20 September 2013 from http://www.capilanou.ca/psychology/student-resources/research-guidelines/Correlational-Research-Guidelines/