Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Mathematics Practice Exam

Which statistical method determines how one variable is affected by changes in a second variable?

1. Correlation Studies

2. Descriptive Statistics

3. Survey Studies

4. Inferential Statistics

The correct answer is: Correlation Studies

The correct choice recognizes the role of correlation studies in examining the relationship between two variables. Correlation studies involve analyzing how changes in one variable correspond to changes in another variable. This method seeks to establish whether there is a positive, negative, or no correlation between the variables, thereby helping to understand potential relationships. For instance, if researchers were investigating the relationship between study hours and exam scores, correlation studies would enable them to assess whether increased study hours typically coincide with higher exam scores. This understanding is foundational in fields such as social sciences, psychology, and education, where discerning patterns and relationships between variables is crucial. Descriptive statistics focuses on summarizing data rather than exploring relationships, thus it doesn’t involve examining how one variable may be influenced by another. Survey studies involve gathering data through questionnaires or interviews, also primarily aimed at collecting information rather than establishing the effect of one variable on another. Inferential statistics, while allowing predictions or inferences about a population based on a sample, does not specifically aim to determine the direct relationship between two variables as correlation studies do.