The relationship between class attendance and overall grades is an example of what type of research?

The relationship between class attendance and overall grades exemplifies correlational research because it seeks to identify and measure the association between two variables: attendance and grades. In correlational research, the primary focus is on determining whether there is a statistical relationship between the variables, which can be positive, negative, or nonexistent.

For example, if the data suggests that higher class attendance is associated with higher overall grades, this indicates a positive correlation. The key aspect here is that correlational research does not imply causation; it merely highlights the existence of a relationship.

Descriptive research typically focuses on providing a snapshot of a situation or group without exploring relationships between variables. Exploratory research is usually conducted to generate hypotheses and explore new areas of study, while experimental research involves manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships. In contrast, the scenario of analyzing attendance in relation to grading outcomes is primarily about finding a link, making correlational research the most appropriate choice.