Definition 定义
Correlation is a statistical technique used to quantify the strength of relationship between two variables.
Used a lot in psychology investigations, for example Murstein (1972) carried out a correlation analysis of ratings of attractiveness in partners ('computer dance' study).
相关性是一种统计技术，用于量化两个变量之间的关系强度。
在心理学调查中经常使用，例如，Murstein（1972）对伴侣的吸引力进行了相关分析（"电脑舞蹈 "研究）。
Strengths and weaknesses of correlation 相关性的优势和劣势
| Strengths 优势: | Weaknesses 弱点 |
| Calculating the strength of a relationship between variables. 计算变量之间关系的强度。 | Cannot assume cause and effect, strong correlation between variables may be misleading. 不能假设因果关系，变量之间的强关联性可能会产生误导。 |
| Useful as a pointer for further, more detailed research. 作为进一步的、更详细的研究的指示器是有用的。 | Lack of correlation may not mean there is no relationship, it could be non-linear. 缺乏相关性可能并不意味着没有关系，它可能是非线性的。 |
Analysis of correlation 相关性的分析
For a correlational study, the data can be plotted as points on a scattergraph. A line of best fit is then drawn through the points to show the trend of the data.
对于一个相关研究，数据可以被绘制成散点图上的点。然后通过这些点画出一条最佳拟合线以显示数据的趋势。
If both variables increase together, this is a positive correlation.
如果两个变量一起增加，这就是一个正相关。
If one variable increases as other decreases this is a negative correlation.
如果一个变量随着其他变量的减少而增加，这是一种负相关。
If no line of best fit can be drawn, there is no correlation.
如果不能画出最佳拟合线，就不存在相关关系。
Correlation can be quantified by using a correlation coefficient - a mathematical measure of the degree of relatedness between sets of data.
Once calculated, a correlation coefficient will have a value from -1 to +1.
相关性可以通过使用相关系数进行量化--这是一组数据之间相关程度的数学测量。
一旦计算出来，相关系数将有一个从-1到+1的值。
+1 = perfect positive correlation all points on straight line, as x increases y increases. A value close to one indicates a strong positive correlation.
+1=完美的正相关，所有的点都在直线上，随着X的增加，Y的增加。一个接近1的值表示一个强烈的正相关。
0 = no correlation points show differing degrees of correlation.
Note: A correlation around zero may disguise a non-linear relationship.
0 = 没有相关的点显示不同程度的相关。
注意：零左右的相关性可能掩盖了非线性关系。
-1 = perfect negative correlation all points on straight line, as x increases y decreases. A value close to -1 indicates a strong negative relationship.
Note: In real life human situations, or psychology experiments you will not find perfect correlation between variables, life is just like that.
-1=完全负相关，所有的点都在直线上，当x增加时y减少。接近-1的数值表明有很强的负相关关系。
注意：在现实生活中的人类情况，或心理学实验中，你不会发现变量之间有完美的相关性，生活就是这样的。
What psychologists do is calculate a correlation coefficient, then, using statistical tables (thought up by brilliant mathematicians) work out the probability that their results could have occurred at random.
If they can say there is a 95% chance of their results really showing a strong correlation, then they accept that there is one.
心理学家所做的是计算相关系数，然后利用统计表（由杰出的数学家想出来的）计算出他们的结果可能是随机发生的概率。
如果他们可以说他们的结果有95%的概率真的显示出强烈的相关性，那么他们就接受有这样的相关性。