Association

Some surveys seek to identify or test hypotheses related to relationships between independent variables. There are methods of analysis that may be used in order to test the association between two variables. Some methods of analysis may be drawn from inferential analysis in order to identify association (Such as the Chi Square Test), there are also other methods that may be used, as described below.

Correlation and Contingency Analysis

This form of analysis uses probability to determine whether the results from one variable are related to the results from another variable. The use of probrability is able to highlight correlation which should be differentiated from 'cause'. If there is a high probability that two variables are related then it is said that a correlation between the two variables has been found, although what causes this correlation or relationship will need to be analysed through other means.