What does correlational research study?

Correlational research focuses on identifying and analyzing the statistical association between two or more variables without necessarily establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. This type of research helps educators and researchers understand the strength and direction of the relationships between variables, such as the correlation between study habits and academic performance or the relationship between teacher qualifications and student outcomes.

In contrast to other types of research, correlational studies do not manipulate variables or assign treatments to participants. For example, while one might infer the impact of different teaching methods on learning (which would point to an experimental or effect study), correlational research would instead examine the relationship between those variables—such as how frequently those methods are employed and their outcomes—without assuming that one causes the other. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it succinctly encapsulates the essence of correlational research.