Suppose you have just found that a negative correlation exists between the use of social media (texting, Facebook, etc. ) and oral communication skills. Discuss what is meant by a negative correlation, how it applies to these particular variables, and what kinds of conclusions can be made based on this type of research method. Include one disadvantage or limitation using this could be poor in addition to or in lieu of the one provided.

Answer:

A negative correlation means that the two variables move in an opposite direction. This means an increase in the value of one variable causes a decrease in the value of another and a decrease in the value of the first variable causes an increase in the value of another. This implies that the greater the use of social media, the poorer will be the communication skills OR the lesser the use of social media, the better will be the communication skills. Only conclusions about the direction of relationships can be drawn from a correlational study. No causal conclusions can be drawn. This acts as a limitation of this method.