Correlational studies are frequently used in psychology research to look for relationships between variables. While correlational studies can suggest that there is a relationship between two variables, finding a correlation does not prove that one variable causes a change in another variable. In other words, correlation does not equal causation. For example, a correlational study might suggest that there is a relationship between academic success and self-esteem, but it cannot prove that a change in the first variable causes a change in the second variable. You can learn more about this type of research in this overview of correlational studies.

Related Topics:

• Introduction to Research Methods
• The Simple Experiment