An Interactive Introduction to Variables and Correlations

Abstract

This introductory-level interactive activity requires students to work together to generate correlations and assess the causality of those correlations. Topics covered include: variables and attributes, independent and dependent variables, hypotheses, positive and negative correlations, temporal ordering, and spuriousness. This activity develops...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Research Methods

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

Time required: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the length of discussion and whether the instructor opts to skip to the attribute-identifying portion of the activity.

Materials needed: Printouts of the slips of paper they will use to complete the assignment (see below—PRINT DOUBLE-SIDED). There should be one slip per student.

Ideal class...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Demonstrate understanding of what constitutes a variable and the attributes of a variable
2. Discern between independent and dependent variables, positive and negative correlations, and generate hypotheses using the language of correlations
3. Assess the likelihood of causality between two variables by drawing on three criteria of causality (correlation, temporal ordering, and non-spuriousness)

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Correctly identifying several attributes of one of six assigned variables.
2. Drawing a correlation in which the independent and dependent variable are correctly identified, and stated as a hypothesis. Some asked to draw it on the board. Appropriately challenging classmates and responding to classmates’ challenges.
3. Properly identifying whether correlation may be spurious or temporal ordering reversed. Identifying a logical variable that may account for the correlation. Appropriately challenging classmates and responding to classmates’ challenges.