Advancing The Counseling Profession By Examining Relationships Between Variables

We provide counseling researchers an overview of correlational research design. More specifically, we discuss how researchers can determine whether the use of correlational research is appropriate, and we provide examples of correlational research questions and studies. Furthermore, we highlight several statistical analyses (i.e., regression analysis, path analysis, structural equation modeling, mediation, and moderation) aligned with correlational design. Finally, we review correlational design challenges and provide strategies to address them.