CORRELATIONAL STUDY

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.