What is a correlational study primarily used to examine?

A correlational study is primarily used to examine the relationship between two or more variables. This type of study assesses how changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable, without the researcher manipulating any of the variables involved. By identifying correlations, researchers can determine whether there is a positive, negative, or no relationship between the variables, which helps inform subsequent research questions and hypotheses.

Unlike experimental methods, which focus on cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one variable to observe its effect on another, correlational studies do not imply causation. Instead, they provide valuable insights into patterns and relationships within the data, which can suggest further areas of research or theoretical implications in psychological studies.