Describe positive correlations and negative correlations, using any examples.

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 what a correlation is – looks for relationships / links between variables
2. [1] 1 mark for each definition, up to a maximum of 2, for each type of correlation
3. [1] 1 mark for each example that is linked to one issue, up to a maximum of 2, for each type of correlation.
4. [1] Examples can be from any studies (core studies, other studies, candidate's own psychological studies).
5. [4] Max 4 if no examples
6. [5] Max 5 if only positive / only negative
7. [1] positive correlation:
8. [1] where two variables increase in the same direction / as one variable increases the other does too / directly proportional;
9. [1] has a coefficient between 0 and +1; (definition)
10. [1] Dement and Kleitman found a positive correlation between dream duration and dream narrative word count;
11. [1] Canli et al. found a left amygdala positive correlation: the greater the activation, the stronger the memory;
12. [1] Piliavin et al. proposed a positive correlation between number of bystanders 'diffusion of responsibility': the greater the number of bystanders, the greater the diffusion of responsibility;
13. [1] negative correlation:
14. [1] where two variables increase in opposite directions / as one variable increases the other decreases / inversely proportional;
15. [1] has a coefficient between 0 and −1; (definition)
16. [1] Baron-Cohen et al. found a negative/inverse correlation between eyes test score and AQ;
17. [1] Canli et al. found a negative correlation: the greater the emotional intensity (of the stimulus) the weaker the memory;
18. [1] Piliavin et al's. proposed correlation between number of bystanders and 'diffusion of responsibility' can be described as a negative correlation: the more bystanders there are, the lower the speed/frequency of helping;
19. [1] Other ideas might be: Positive: time spent watching TV and aggression;
20. [1] Negative: hours of sleep and ability to concentrate; time spent in therapy and level of symptoms;