Correlational Study Example: Screen Time and Mental Health in Teenagers

A common example of correlational research is the investigation of the relationship between screen time (non-experimental variable) and mental health (measured variable) in teenagers.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the research design:

• Non-Experimental: Researchers wouldn’t randomly assign teenagers to different screen time groups (high vs. low). They would likely survey a representative sample of teenagers and measure both their screen time habits and their mental health through questionnaires or standardized tests.

• Correlational Analysis: Statistical methods like correlation coefficients would be used to assess the strength and direction of the association between screen time and mental health scores.

Possible Findings:

• The research might find a positive correlation, indicating that teenagers with higher screen time tend to report more symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

• However, it’s important to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation. This design can’t determine if screen time directly causes mental health issues or vice versa. There could be other factors influencing both variables, such as social media use, sleep patterns, or underlying genetic predispositions.

Additional Notes:

• Correlational research is valuable for identifying potential relationships between variables that warrant further investigation through experimental studies.

• This type of research can also be used to explore trends within a population and inform public health initiatives.