Correlational research is used to look for relationships between variables. The relationship can be a positive one, a negative one, or have no relationship at all. (Cherry, 2012). The purpose is to try and find a way to predict an outcome of an event based on the presence of some other factor. For example, a researcher may hypothesize that more hours of studying will lead to higher test scores. If this is true then there should be a positive correlation between hours and scores. Similarly, a negative correlation could be the amount of alcohol consumption and test scores. (Schmidt, 2000).
From the course studies, I selected the variables of benefits satisfaction as compared to job satisfaction. I hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation with the satisfaction of these two variables. I assumed that if an employee was happy with their benefits package then they would be happy on the job as well. I used Excel and created a scatter plot with benefits satisfaction on the x-axis and job satisfaction on the y-axis. For the 74 data points in our survey, there was indeed a positive correlation between the two.
These results could be used in the workplace to help with employee recruitment and retention. A certain benefits package upon hiring would create a very satisfied new employee. These benefits could be a signing bonus, moving expenses and an initial wardrobe allowance. To keep existing employees happy a different benefits package could includehealth insurance, 401(k) plan and company profit sharing. These retention benefits could also be structured so that as employees hit certain longevity milestones then more benefits would kick in. Surveys could be done in the workplace to see which benefits were most appreciated and management could focus on the benefits that employees valued the most. (Inc., 2010)
Cherry, K. (n.d.). Correlational studies: Psychology research with correlational studies. [general format]. Retrieved from
Inc. (2010, Apr 26). How to build a competitive employee benefits package. [general format]. Retrieved from
Schmidt, S. R. (2000, Jan 6). Research methods for the digitally inclined. [general format]. Retrieved from