Why are researchers likely to choose a correlational design?

Researchers are likely to choose a correlational design when they want or need to examine variables without manipulating them. In such instances, using a correlational method can be useful. There are a number of reasons why researchers might not manipulate variables and instead choose to conduct a correlational study. Below are just a few of the reasons why a researcher is likely to choose a correlational design.

• Researchers might choose to conduct a correlational study rather than an experiment because sometimes it is unethical or impractical to manipulate certain independent variables.
• Researchers may want to know whether two natural variables are related, and there is no need to manipulate them.
• Researchers may also choose a correlational design for practical and cost-related reasons. Correlational studies are usually faster and less expensive to conduct.