PSY341 – Research Methods in the Social Sciences Unit 5 Assignment: Running and Interpreting a Correlation Using Excel

Points: 100 Overview: For this assignment, you will apply your knowledge of correlational research by running a correlation statistic (Pearson r) using a sample data set. Directions for Enabling Data Analysis ToolPak. See instructions for Downloading Microsoft Office provided in Unit 4. You will need to use the Data Analysis ToolPak feature within Excel to run the correlation. This is an add-on feature for Excel that you need to enable manually. To enable the ToolPak, follow the instructions below:

• Go to EXCEL>> File>> Options>>Add-Ins>>Analysis ToolPak>>Go>>Check Analysis ToolPak>> OK

• Data Analysis should appear on the upper right of your toolbar.

Instructions:

The Psychology 101 instructor is interested in determining if there is a correlation (relationship) between hours spent studying and grades on the midterm exam. They collect data from all 25 of their PSY101 students. Students were asked to indicate on a survey the number of hours spent studying for the midterm exam as well as their exam score. The data collected from students is listed below:

Hours Spent Studying Midterm Exam Score 0 59 0 49 0 39 0 47 0 45 1 61 1 79 1 63 1 67 1 72 2 87 2 84 2 86 2 88 2 85 3 92 3 94 3 91 3 92 3 91 4 100 4 100 4 100 4 97 4 98

Part A

For the data set above, run a correlation in Excel. Directions for Running a Correlation in Excel

• Open Excel • Enter the Data Set Above • Go to Data • Go to Data Analysis • Click on Correlation • Select your Input Range • Select Output Range (Select Area of Cells for Graph to Appear) • Click OK

Review the “Creating a Scatterplot and Running a Pearson r Correlation in Excel” found in the Unit 5 Readings and Resources on Blackboard.

Then, after the following questions:

1. What is the correlation coefficient between hours spent studying and midterm exam grades? Provide the Pearson r value. (25 points)

2. Is this a positive or negative correlation? Alternatively, is there no correlation between variables? Explain your choice. (25 points)

3. Is the correlation between variables weak, moderate, or strong? Explain your answer, using the chart below to help you. (25 points)

Part B

Graph a scatter plot of the correlation. Add a title and label your Y axis and X axis describing what the graph is showing. (25 points)

Directions for Graphing a Scatterplot Review the “Creating a Scatterplot and Running a Pearson r Correlation in Excel” found in the Unit 5 Readings and Resources on Blackboard.

Requirements:

• Answer all the questions in Part A and Part B. • Submit a Word document with your answers.

Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.

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Evaluation Rubric for Unit 5 Excel Assignment

CRITERIA Deficient Needs Improvement

Proficient Exemplary

0 Points 25 Points Correlation Coefficient (Pearson r Statistic)

The correlation coefficient (Pearson r statistic) is not stated OR is stated but incorrect.

N/A N/A The correlation coefficient (Pearson r statistic) is stated and correct.

0 points 1 – 11 points 12 – 24 points 25 points Direction of Correlation

The direction of the correlation (positive, negative, or no correlation) is not given nor is it explained. OR The direction is given but the explanation is inaccurate.

The direction of the correlation (positive, negative, or no correlation) is accurate, but an explanation is not provided.

The direction of the correlation (positive, negative, or no correlation) is explained and is accurate, but the explanation is somewhat lacking in detail.

Continued…

The direction of the correlation (positive, negative, or no correlation) is thoroughly explained, and the explanation is accurate.

0 points 1 – 11 points 12 – 24 points 25 points Strength of Correlation

The strength of the correlation (weak, moderate, or strong) is not given nor is it explained. OR The strength is given but the explanation is inaccurate.

• The strength of the correlation (weak, moderate, or strong) is accurate, but an explanation is not provided.
• The strength of the correlation (weak, moderate, or strong) is explained accurately, but the explanation is somewhat lacking in detail.

The strength of the correlation (weak, moderate, or strong) is thoroughly explained, and the explanation is accurate.

0 points 1 – 11 points 12 – 24 points 25 points Graph of Correlation

• Graph of correlation (GC)  is not provided or is provided but does not accurately illustrate the correlation between variables and is missing all important components such as a title and labeled axes.
• Graph of correlation is provided and accurately illustrates the correlation between variables. Graph is missing most of the important components, such as a title and labeled axes.
• GC is provided and accurately illustrates the correlation between variables. Graph is missing some important components, such as a title, and/or labeled axes.

Graph of correlation is provided and accurately illustrates the correlation between variables. Graph includes a title and labeled axes.