a.
The Nature of Correlational Study.
Correlational
research has an important role in education, social, economy, science, and so
on. This research focuses on the inclination of variable through another
variable. It investigates the
characteristics of variables to find the significant influence of the study.
Thus, it reveals the relationship between two or more variables through the use
of correlational statistics (Gall, 2013. 320). In other word, correlational
statistics used to explore cause and
effect relationship between variables, but the obtained results generally do
not lead to strong conclusions (Gall, 2013: 324).
b.
Research Background
Correlational study gathers the data from individuals on two or more
variable and then seeks to determine
whether the variables are related or not (Ary, 2010: 27). Background of the study should consist of all variables, the
reason why the researcher conduct the study, and the purpose of the study.
c.
Problem Identification
Dewey
states that determine the issues of the study will make the study focuses on
the problem. The problem is a discrepancy between expectation and reality or
something targeted by the researcher but it is not reached (Syamsuddin and
Vismaia, 2009: 42). Thus, the characteristics of the researchable problems have
contribution for many parties and can be supported by empirical data and
suitable with the researchers’ ability (Sukardu, 2004: 27-28).
In
addition, the researcher can do pilot project, doing assessment, or doing
informal conversation to identify the potential of participant marginalization
when doing research (Creswell, 2016: 129). In simply, the chosen problem must
have important values in behavior pattern of a complex phenomenon which
requires understanding. The variables should be based on the consideration,
both of theoretically and reasoning that has a certain relationship. This
usually got from previous studies.
E.g.
1. What factors can influence reading achievement?
2. What are the indicators of reading achievement?
3. What are the indicators of vocabulary mastery?
4. What are indicators of conscientiousness?
5. How is best method to teach vocabulary toward reading achievement?
6. Is there any correlation between vocabulary mastery and reading
achievement?
7. Is there any correlation between conscientiousness and reading
achievement?
8. How can character building improve reading achievement?
d.
Problem Statement
Problem
statements of correlational study typically involve two statements of
researchers’ interest: "What is the strength and direction of the
relationship between variable X and variable Y?" and How well variable Y
can be predicted from variable X" (i.e., what is the best equation for predicting Y
from X? The latter is called the regression equation).
e.
Research Objective
The
researchers have to underline the main objectives because it is a very crucial
part in a study. Research objectives means showing the reason why we want to
conduct the research and the aim what we want to achieve (Silverman, 2013).
Correlational research objectives include the variables, the variables
relationship, the participants, and the study field (Creswell, 2016: 171).
E. g.
1. To find/know a correlation between conscientiousness and reading
achievement;
2. To find/know a correlation between vocabulary mastery and reading
achievement;
f.
Review of Theories
Review of
theories is very important part of the research. It helps the researchers to
plan the research content and researchers’ act.
Besides that, it also helps the researchers to find the related study to
support their research (Fraenkel and Wallen, 2012: 38). It contains the complete
explanation of the related variables.
g.
Rationale
Rationale in a researchis necessary to provide a
justification for each hypothesis ans to ensure the readers of its
reasonabelness and soundness. Its main point is to support researchers
formulate hypothesis (Tuckman, 1978: 315)
h.
Research Hypothesis
After
identifying the problems, the researchers employ the logical process of
deduction and induction to formulate an expectation of outcome of the study.
The researchers hypothesize about the relationship between the concepts that
identified in the problem.
i.
Research Method and Design
The
basic design of correlational research is straightforward. The problem
specified by asking question about the relationship between variable and
interest. (Ary, 2010: 352). In addition, the basic design for correlational
study involves nothing more than collecting data on two or more variables for
each individual in a sample and computing a correlational coefficient (Gall,
2003: 323).
j.
Population/ Sample/ Sampling
A
population is defined as a member of any well-defined class of people, events,
or objects. For instance: in a study of students in American High School
constitute the population of interest, you could define this population as all
boys and girls attending high school in United State.
A
sample is a portion of a population. For instance: the students of Washington High School in
Indianapolis constitute a sample of American high school students. (Ary, 2010:
338)
Sample
of correlational study must be selected carefully and randomly (min: 30
samples) (Fraenkel, 2012: 338.
k.
Data Collection
Standardized
tests, questionnaires, interviews, or observational techniques can be used to
collect the data. The data should be in quantifiable form.
l.
Data analysis
When
variables are correlated, a correlation coefficient produced. The coefficient
will be a decimal between 0,00 and + 1,00 or – 1,00. Coefficient +1,00 or -1,00
means that both variables have strong correlation; it can be positive of
negative correlation, and 0,00 coefficient means that there is no relationship
between variables.
