This document will examine aspects of correlational design. According to Fabiano-Smith (2011), correlational designs are non-experimental research designs that focus on observing variables as they naturally exist. Since this type of design is nonexperimental, one of its main disadvantages is the focus on the relationship between variables and not on the cause and effect between variables. Despite this weakness, the correlational design has several strengths. Observe variables as they occur in a natural environment without manipulation. Researchers often use the initial definition of correlation relationships between variables to identify which variables should be further studied for cause and effect using experimental designs. Why was the correlational design chosen? Two of the three studies chosen indicated that very little empirical data was available for their specific area of ​​study. Establishing correlational relationships is a logical way to identify independent variables for experimental cause-and-effect research. McDuffie, Yoder, and Stone (2005) indicated that no empirical data were available on their study of autism and prelinguistic predictors of vocabulary. Researchers into the effectiveness of communications and interactions with patients have reported that previous studies did not specifically ask patients how they felt about their care (Shelton & Shryock 2007). Both of these statements make the choice of a correlational study the obvious starting point for research. The third study identified the need to clarify symbolic play as a possible independent variable as previous studies had grouped symbolic and functional play together in one category (O'Toole & Chiat, 2006). It was possible to use a... half of the paper......cleverly used APA, and the educational year exposed for the first time to APA. The dependent variable would be the APA portion of the paper grade. If a correlation is shown between low level of comfort or exposure and low grades, it may be possible to pre-identify students via a survey for self-enrollment in APA-style tutorial classes or for self-study on the APA citation method. A correlation between the year of first exposure and low grades may indicate that APA needs to be emphasized more in early writing lessons. If no correlation is found, students who identify as not very familiar or comfortable with this writing style may be directed to APA study resources early in the semester to catch up. This study could help students move forward with their basic knowledge so that they do not have to learn and correct while writing real graded papers.