Understanding Correlation and Causation- Positive and Negative Relationships in Research and Misconceptions
Negative Correlational Study
Okeke, M. N., Echo, O., & Oboreh, J. C. (2016). Effects of stress on employee productivity. International Journal of Accounting Research, 2(11), 38-49.
Notes
This study examines the impact of stress on the productivity of employees in the banking industry in Nigeria. The study claims that there is positive stress, referred to as eustress, and negative stress, distress. The former can enhance work performance and encourage employees to put in more effort, whereas the latter can hinder performance. Okeke and Echo (2016) focus on negative stress. The study shows that an increase in job stress results in a decrease in job productivity and performance.
Description of everything observed or that can be remembered.
The study made use of the survey research method and used the purposive sampling method to recruit a total of 250 participants in the banking industry in Nigeria. The study showed that employee productivity was majorly impacted by workload pressure. It also showed that stress lessened work performance among employees, and therefore it was recommended that remedial measures should be taken to lessen the impact of job stress.
Analysis
This study is an accurate example as it shows an inverse relationship between job stress and work productivity and performance. The authors claim that workplace stress has a negative impact on employee productivity.
Reflection
This study correctly makes use of correlation and does not confuse it with experimental since the inverse link between the two variables, stress and workplace productivity, has been shown as opposed to implying causation between the two variables.
Positive Correlation
Zhang, Z., & Chen, W. (2019). A systematic review of the relationship between physical activity and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 20(4), 1305-1322.
Notes
This study aims at examining the link between physical activity and happiness. The authors strive to find the duration, intensity, domain, and type of physical activity that can enhance happiness levels and the group of people that can benefit from these relations.
Description of everything observed, or that can be remembered
Happiness is generally a subjective state of one’s mind characterized by contentment and enjoyment. It is considered a positive part of mental well-being. Physical activity is said to increase happiness across different population groups.
Analysis
The authors used a systematic search on major databases to find the link between happiness and physical activity. Their study shows that indulgence in physical activity increases happiness, hence demonstrating a positive correlation. However, they recommend that future research should investigate how physical activity causes happiness, therefore incorrectly interpreting causation.
Reflection
I believe that physical activity enhances happiness, but I am also left to wonder if there is actual causation. When one indulges in too much physical activity, the results might be different.
Misconstrued Causation
Gruel, S. (2010). Are Violent Video Games Harmful to Children and Adolescents? Brief of Amicus Curiae in Case of Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association, US Supreme Court.
Notes
Gruel (2010) argues that violent video games cause children and adolescents to act in a violent manner. He argues that violent video games cause desensitization in one’s brain, hence leading to violence.
Description of everything observed, or that can be remembered
According to Gruel (2010), neuroscience has proven that there is a reduction in the activation of neural mechanisms responsible for self-control whenever individuals watch violent video games. He, therefore, concludes that there is overwhelming evidence to prove a causal link between violent video games and aggression.
Analysis
The author presented his arguments in a court of law, arguing that violent video games are harmful to children since they arouse violent behaviours. However, various researchers have countered this, claiming that the two variables are strongly and positively related, but a causal link is not yet established.
Reflection
This study is an accurate example of a study that incorrectly interprets causation. There are various factors that can cause aggression among children, among them being genetic influences. Environmental factors like exposure to violent video games only enhance aggressive behaviours but do not necessarily cause them.
References
Gruel, S. (2010). Are Violent Video Games Harmful to Children and Adolescents? Brief of Amicus Curiae in Case of Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association, US Supreme Court.
Okeke, M. N., Echo, O., & Oboreh, J. C. (2016). Effects of stress on employee productivity. International Journal of Accounting Research, 2(11), 38-49.
Zhang, Z., & Chen, W. (2019). A systematic review of the relationship between physical activity and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 20(4), 1305-1322.
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Question 
Each note should be composed of four parts:
Notes
Description of everything observed, or that can be remembered
Analysis
Reflection
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS
Find studies from your discipline that demonstrate each type of correlation (positive/negative) and a survey that misconstrues correlation for causation.
Understanding Correlation and Causation- Positive and Negative Relationships in Research and Misconceptions
Describe each study (provide links, etc.).
Discuss why you think it is an accurate example.
What is the correlation in the study that incorrectly interprets causation?
New questions that arise from the observations