Getting started with SPSS

6 Correlation

Activity 5

0h 20m

This activity demonstrates how a simple correlation analysis can be carried out. Correlations tell us about the relationship between pairs of variables. For example:

  • shoe size and height;

  • age and language learning performance.

The example used in this activity relates to the influence of personality on time perception. The expectation is that there is a relationship between personality and time perception. The experimental hypothesis predicts that ‘there is a negative correlation between extraversion and time perception’.

Hint

You may find it helpful to read about the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). It scores for extraversion and neuroticism. A sample of this data is used in the activity.

The following variables are used:

Age is generally recorded to rule it out as a confounding variable.
Gender is usually recorded as a control variable.
Extraversion is one of the three personality traits measured by the EPQ.
Neuroticism is one of the three personality traits measured by the EPQ.
Estimation is the time estimated by participants in the study.

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