Posted: January 5th, 2016

Linear and Nonlinear Relationships Between Variables

Discussion

How two things are related or the degree to which they are related is often a question in any area of research, including forensic psychology research. A researcher might ask these questions: To what degree are drug use and criminal recidivism related? Are mental illness and violence related? To what degree is an increase in police patrols related to a decrease in crime rates?

Each of these forensic psychology research questions can be addressed using a correlational design. Correlational designs help determine if there is a relationship between variables. The relationship may be positive, meaning there is a positive linear relationship between the two variables; the relationship may be negative, which means there is a weak or nonexistent linear relationship between the two variables; or, the relationship may be curvilinear, which means that at times there appears to be a relationship and at times there does not.

To prepare for this Discussion:

� Review Chapter 9 in your course text, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Pay attention to the descriptions and examples of linear and nonlinear relationships, positive and negative linear relationships, and curvilinear relationships.

� Consider how these relationships are determined and what impact each type of relationship may have on a researcher�s ability to make predictions.

� Using the Walden Library, select and review two or three articles on criminal recidivism, violent crime, or domestic violence in which the variables have positive and negative linear relationships.

� Consider the implications if the variables had a curvilinear relationship instead.

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