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A major strength of correlational research is that it generally possesses higher external validity than experimental research. Due to the trade-off between internal and external validity, experiments often introduce artificial conditions to maximize internal validity (control). In contrast, correlational studies typically have low internal validity because nothing is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter. However, because variables are measured exactly as they naturally occur, the resulting statistical relationships are more likely to reflect real-world phenomena, granting them high external validity.

External Validity of Correlational Research

Because of the trade-off between internal and external validity, correlational research is highly valuable for providing converging evidence for a scientific theory. When a theory is supported by both a true experiment (which offers high internal validity to confirm causality) and a correlational study (which offers high external validity to confirm real-world relevance), researchers can have much greater confidence in the theory. For instance, correlational studies linking violent television to aggressive behavior are strongly complemented by experimental studies that confirm the relationship is causal.

Correlational Research as Converging Evidence

Correlational research generally has higher external validity than experimental research because the variables are measured as they naturally occur rather than being manipulated or controlled by the researcher.

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