CORRELATION STUDIES IN EDUCATION

ABSTRACT This paper reviewed importance of correlation studies in educational research. The paper concluded that correlation is used to find relationship between variables, determined degree of association etc. and recommendation was made at the end of the paper. INTRODUCTION Correlational study is very important in research. This is obvious in the ways it has been used in researches today in sciences, education, engineering etc. correlational study is used to find relationships between variables, degree of relationships, association among parameters, existing influences between variables, determine the degree of freedom, variability in performance, strength of variations in strength of relationships. The correlation is one of the most common and most useful statistics. A correlation is a single number that describes the degree of relationship between two variables. IMPORTANCE OF CORRELATION Darko and Ansa-Asare (2009) cited the use of correlation to establish relationships and interactions between parameters. Correlation does not only used to find out relationship that exists between variables, it can also be used to determine the degree of relationships and variability between students’ performance in examination as opined by Oluwatayo (2007). Abe (2007) confirmed that correlation can be used to determine the strength of relationship between subjects and variations in strength of relationships of scores in subjects. Correlation is a good instrument to be used to analyse relationship between performances of students as observed by Ige (2007). Boampong, Acquah and Achiamaa (2009) used correlation to assess linear association among studied quantitative parameters. Boampong, Acqua, Sam-Awortwi and Ofori (2010) stated that correlation could be used to test for association among measured parameters. Correlation allows the researcher to investigate naturally occurring variables that maybe unethical or impractical to test experimentally. For example, it would be unethical to conduct an experiment on whether smoking causes lung cancer. Mcleod (2008) opined that correlation identifies variables and looks for a relationship between them. Correlation allows the researcher to clearly and easily see if there is a relationship between variables. This can then be displayed in a graphical form. The correlation is one of the most common and most useful statistics. He stressed further that correlation is a single number that describes the degree of relationship between two variables. Lanthier (2011) looked at correlation as a way to measure how associated or related two variables are. She explains further that in a correlational study, the researcher is measuring conditions that already exist and finding out in what way pairs of variables are related. Lanthier (2011) opined that the researcher looks at things that already exist and determines if and in what way those things are related to each other and that, purpose of doing correlations is to allow us to make a prediction about one variable based on what we know about another variable. She believed when we know there is a correlation between two variables, we can make a prediction. We can make predictions about things when we know about correlations. If two variables are correlated, we can predict one based on the other. Mcleod (2008) observed that an important area where correlation is widely used is in the study of intelligence where research has been carried out to test the strength of the association between the I.Q. levels of identical and non-identical twins. Correlation research is a form of analysis in which you correlate one variable with another to determine if there is a relationship between them. It is used as a first step prior to experimentation, when experiments cannot be conducted (for ethical or practical reasons). In correlation research you do not manipulate a variable, you gather information through: Observation, Surveys or Questionnaires, and Information Correlation is concerned with describing the degree of relationship between variables. Researchers can use one variable to make predictions about another variable, that correlation can be used to find interrelation between variables. Minium, King & Bear (1993) posited that correlation can be used mainly to determine the degree of association between variables, and also to make prediction about an event. To establish reliability of a test, for example, we would want to know the extent of initial performance on the same test at a subsequent time. Minium et al (1993) opined that correlation is used in determining the degree of association between two variables and predicting a person’s standing in associated variable. John and Arthur (1991) viewed that when two variables are examined for their correlation; it is usually for the purpose of predicting one of them. Most correlation studies are initiated based on the desire to examine and explain the changing value of this variable. Horst (1963) said correlation measures the co variation in the magnitude of two things. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Correlation is very important in educational research as it could be used to find out relationship between variables, determine degree of association, for prediction about one variable and strength of a relationship. Having reviewed role of correlation in educational research it is therefore suggested that institutions of learning should design a course especially for correlation study. This will help students to apply correlation statistics correctly in research.

REFERENCES Abe, T.O (2007). Skewness and Kurtosis of School- based – Assessment scoresAs determinants of the need for moderation. International Journal of Research in Education 4(1&2) 40-46 Boampong, J.N,Acquah, S & Achiamaa, A(2009). A Cross- Sectional Study Of Home-based Management of Malaria in Bakaano, a suburb of Cape Coast, Ghana: Recognition of Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 11(2)50-57 Boampong,J.N,Acquah, S,Sam-Awortwi, E.N & Ofori,M.F (2010). A PreliminaryStudy of Association of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate with Malaria-Specific Immunoglobulin G and Malaria-induced Anaemia. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 12(1)89-98 Darko,H.F&Ansa-Asare,O.D (2009). Chlorophyll-A, Concentrations in Relation to Water Quality and Trophic Status in the Weija Reservoir from 2005-2008. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 11(2)7I-81 Horst, P (1983). Matrix Algebra for Social Scientists, New York: Holt,Rinehart, and Winston. Ige, O.O (2007). Statistical Analysis of the Relationship between Students’Performance in English and Mathematics in some Selected Secondary Schools in Osun State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Education. 4(172)164-171

John, E. H & Arthur, G.R (1991). Linear Equations. Understanding business Statistics. USA. Richard, D. Irwin Inc. 450. Lanthier, E (2011). Correlation. Retrieved from http://www.nvcc.edu/home/elanthier/methods/correlation.html Mcleod, S (2008). Correlation. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/correlation.html Minium, E.W, King, B.M &Bear, G (1993). Correlation. Statistical Reasoning In Psychology and Education. John Wiley & son Inc. Canada. Oluwatayo, J.A(2007). Comparative Analysis of Students’ Performance in Chemistry in WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examination International Journal of Research in Education 4(1&2)194-200

Sure Ways To Get Your Girlfriend In The Mood

No matter how good you are. The longer you are in a relationship, the less interesting it becomes. The relationship becomes duller the more you continue. It gets boring. But there is one thing that can still keep the relationship going fine; it is your ability as a guy to get your girlfriend in the mood every time you are together. This is your ability to make your girlfriend ask for more in bed.

This is a very important aspect of a relationship so as not to look as if you are tired of yourself. There are ways to spark a roaring fire and get your girlfriend wet and horny for you. This will definitely send boredom out of your relationship and get both of you aroused any time you are together. Just try the following tips and see your girlfriend in mood always within some seconds.

(1)Talk dirty a little

At times, what your girlfriend needs is your ability to balance gentleness with other loud habits. For instance, your girlfriend might be the kind that doesn’t want to hear dirty words. But the truth is that most girls pretend as if they are not interested in some words, your ability to balance these with other habits matters in a relationship is important. Such words are good to turn her mood on for the day. Words like “If you can imagine what I will do to you tonight” said at innocent time will get her in mood fast. Couple it with suggestive looks and glances at forbidden zones to punctuate the message. Do this at random throughout the day to get her imagination spinning.

(2)Catch her unaware

Your ability to surprise your girlfriend at anytime is an important aspect of the relationship. Doing some crazy things sometimes is good. Things like carrying her in public without her pre information are nice. This will turn her on as fast as you could think. She will be delighted at the attention and your action will easily spark up the old romance. This is one tip that matters in turning your partner on anytime.

(3)Make her jealous

As well, try to create jealousy in her by not being around every time. Sometimes you may need to turn down some of her invitations, this may be hard but you have to do it. It will help you to be valued anytime you are around her. Limit your time with her. If you are finding it hard to do this, you can pick up some hobbies that can be taking some of your time or you can get involved in some sporting activities. This will enable her to value any time you two have together and she will be turned on easily at anytime you try to put her in the mood.

(4)Touch her always

One thing you must be conversant with is your ability to be touching your girlfriend any time you are together. Ladies love to be touched every time especially when it is from a man they love. It gives them a sense of care and love. Show your girlfriend you’re not like other men. Show her you’re sensitive and caring by touching her frequently. Allow her to rest her head on you any time you are sitting close to each other, make her lie on your lap and fond her ear lobe or her cheek. This go a long way in communicating your caring ability to her and it is a good point to start romance.

Getting your girlfriend turned on any time is as easy as this. All you need to do is to be sensitive and be alert. Make use of all the tips mentioned above and you will forever enjoy your relationship.

Environmental Science And Its’ Components

These days there is there is a lot buzz about the world going green and preserving the environment. Well, I think that all of you might be reading something or the other about “environment and ecology” in newspaper, magazines or over the internet. So, let me throw light on this topic.

Environmental Science is the scientific study of the ways in which biological, physical and chemical components of the environment interact and the relations between them. Environmental science and ecology are overlapped but different science disciplines.

Environmental science and ecology are overlapped but different science disciplines. Ecology is the study of the interactions of living organisms with their environments, including relationship with other organisms. Environmental science is multidisciplinary in nature and provides a broad area of study of environmental systems integrating both biological and physical concepts with an interdisciplinary approach.

Components of Environmental Science:

Atmospheric Sciences examine the phenomenology of the Earth’s gaseous outer layer with emphasis upon interrelation to other systems. Atmospheric sciences comprise meteorological studies, greenhouse gas phenomena, and atmospheric dispersion modeling of airborne contaminants, noise pollution, and even light pollution.

Ecology studies typically analyze the dynamics of biological populations and some aspect of their environment.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science, teams of professionals commonly work together to conduct environmental research or to produce Environmental Impact Statements. Environmental science encompasses issues such as climate change, conservation, biodiversity, water quality, groundwater contamination, soil contamination, and use of natural resources, waste management, sustainable development, disaster reduction, air pollution, and noise pollution.

Geosciences include environmental geology, environmental soil science, volcanic phenomena and evolution of the Earth’s crust. In some classification systems it can also embrace hydrology including oceanography.

Well, above is a brief overview about Environmental Science and its’ machinery. Having a sound knowledge about our environment will certainly help us to protect Nature, which is the “Gift of God” to mankind.

Toxic Thoughts Can Ruin A Perfectly Good Relationship

If you tend to have anxiety over little things that turn out to be nothing in the end then you may dealing with a lot of little toxic thoughts that could potentially ruin your relationship.

Toxic thoughts are irrational thoughts that spill over into your imagination and become untrue stories in your head that you eventually start to believe. The initial thought is enough to have you concoct a wild story in your head that has the potential to cause fights and rifts in the relationship.

Examples of those initial toxic thoughts are:

– Is she cheating on me with that guy?
– Why did he really come home late?
– Why didnt she say I love you today?
– Why did he give me that look?
– Shes going to leave me because I said no!

These random thoughts with no real substance behind them come from negative past experiences, low self-esteem, and negative issues that havent been resolved.

Once they take seed into your imagination you can literally start to feel out of control, so you try to prove that you are right by finding evidence or gathering more visual clues from your partner that really doesnt have any merit or substance to it, but helps your case in your mind.

For example if your partner works late one night and you wonder whether they were really at someones house then you may start to question why they took a shower when they got home or why they went straight to bed when they got home or any number of things that might point to them being at someone elses house. Of course they probably took a shower to get clean and went to bed from exhaustion but your mind has already begun its own story that doesnt accept those real answers as truth.

The problem is that you can keep on trying to convince yourself you are right when there is nothing really to prove right! This can cause you to act irrational and do and say things that are uncalled for, and that can lead to fights and over time breakup or divorce.

So if you are prone to toxic and irrational thoughts then your mission should be to get rid of the toxic thoughts and instead trust in your partner and what they say and do, unless they give you a real sign that theres something to not trust. Toxic thoughts are a waste of time, make you feel bad, and use up time in your life that could be better spent.

Removing these thoughts can take practice though. Especially if you are always on guard and ready for a disaster in your relationship. You need to start by replacing your negative thoughts with positive ones. Your thoughts directly affect your feelings so if you want to feel as though you trust your partner you have to think as though you trust your partner.

Just being aware that your thoughts are toxic and irrational will help you to get rid of them. When you recognize that a thought is toxic dont try to fight it. Instead replace it with a more appropriate and positive thought.

For instance, when your partner comes home late from work and tells you they had to work late your mind may start to wonder where they really were. Instead of allowing your imagination to continue picturing where you think they were, try picturing them at work and think about the hard work that they put in for the day. This will allow you to see them at work instead of someones house and will help you feel better about the situation.

Replacing your toxic thoughts with more appropriate and positive thoughts will start you off in getting rid of those toxic thoughts for good. After that you should work on your self-esteem and confidence level by reading self-help books or talking to a therapist. The only way you can change the way you think is to take action and learn new ways to think. Your self-confidence and self-esteem will improve dramatically with each new belief you acquire.

Whatever action you decide to take, do not allow yourself to continue living with toxic thoughts about your relationship. True happiness in a relationship comes from trust and living in the moment. Allow yourself to see your relationship for what it really is at all times and work on issues as they arise, but do not make up issues in your mind because you will, in the end, create exactly what you are trying to avoid.

Phone Sex Phrases Anyone Can Use

Don’t shudder at the mention of dirty talk over the phone. What we mean by that is not the use of four letter words or any swearing over the phone, but just mere flirtatious talk with a bit of a sensual touch and an erotic fervor added to what you may otherwise normally talk. Talking like that makes it feel like as if you are in a rapturous embrace. Additionally, people find it very much easier to exchange expressions of love and intimacy over the phone than when face-to-face, obviously due to the absence of body language to give away your feelings and make you embarrassed when the other notices your blush as you whisper sensually endearing words in a face-to-face situation.

If you are wondering as a woman how on earth to start this dirty talk with your man over the phone, here are a few tips:

Making the First Move

It should be understood that you cannot start this as a planned duet. This is something that has to flow gradually as if it was coming naturally. To make it happen, you may strike up a telephone conversation in the normal manner and gradually and discreetly lead the conversation into forbidden areas and towards the desired climax by starting with a few mild flirtatious expressions and getting onto more intimate sweet nothings to do with kissing, cuddling and the like as you pick up and start changing gears.

Making it Easier For Your Partner

If your partner is the shy and sensitive type, now he too should be starting to feel a little hot with a few goose pimples coming up and his blood pressure rising. So talk to bring home to him that personal and intimate feelings for each other should be expressed in no uncertain terms and discussed between two lovers frankly without any reservations or inhibitions.

Being Open Minded

To hear you speak a little sensually and seductively for the first time could have been something unexpected for him. However, with your gradual and methodical entry into this vital arena of talk, he also should be happy that you have taken the initiative to break the ice to clear the path to a new outlook on the same old relationship with uninhibited, erotic and sensual love to replace the more conservative type that prevailed earlier. Indulging in dirty talk over the phone should no longer be a challenge to either partner; but an ecstatic time to look forward to especially when you are out of physical contact over long periods of time.