The correlation research method belongs to the group of non-experimental methods, using which the researcher identifies two variables and compares the relationship between them based on statistical data. The study “What does and does not correlate with COVID-19 death rates” by Knittel and Ozaltun (2020) uses this method for establishing relationships between COVID-19 death rates and different variables. The researchers present four sets of variables, each of which is compared with the statistics obtained from the data repository. As a result, the article presents a model that describes the death rates from COVID-19 in different states in relation to the influence of various factors.
For the analysis, the authors used statistical data obtained from April 4 to May 27, 2020, to identify daily correlation patterns. Additionally, the article highlights groups of variables that divide factors into socio-economic variables, commute patterns, health, and climate, and pollution. The results obtained through the correlation research method are presented in the form of tables and graphs, which are extremely illustrative. Conclusions made on the basis of the received data can help in identifying specific factors that influence death rates from COVID-19 in different states. These findings are important and practical, as they allow the government to focus on specific problems that are characteristic of particular regions.
The correlation research method, in this case, acts as an important tool for analyzing information based on statistical data. The use of this tool allows researchers to establish relationships between certain variables. The results of such a study make it possible to identify the dependence of certain phenomena on various aspects, which can explain their nature and specificity. Thus, this method is a useful tool for describing and identifying interrelated phenomena.
Reference
Knittel, C. R., & Ozaltun, B. (2020). What does and does not correlate with COVID-19 death rates. National Bureau of Economic Research. Web.