Kira is conducting a correlational study looking for a relationship between level of creativity and the amount of time spent playing sport. Kira could find a positive or a negative correlation.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] 1 mark for explanation of why it should be non-directional
2. (no marks for just stating non-directional)
3. non-directional because she does not know whether there will be a positive or a negative correlation;
4. [1] 1 mark for explanation
5. As the amount of creativity went up, the amount of time spent playing sport would go down; ORA
6. [1] 1 mark for a correlational null hypothesis
7. It must include both variables. Hypothesis does not have to be operationalised.
8. There will be no correlation/link/relationship between time spent playing sport and (level of) creativity;
9. Any correlation/link/relationship between time spent playing sport and (level of) creativity is due to chance;
10. [2] 1 mark for explaining why not (no marks for just 'no')
11. 1 mark for link
12. No, because a correlation cannot demonstrate a causal relationship; (generic why)
13. So creativity could cause people to play more sport or playing more sport could reduce creativity; (link)
14. No, because a third factor could cause the change in both variables; (generic why)
15. e.g. schooling could cause both an increase in creativity and less time spent playing sport; (link)