Which of the following describes how one variable changes in correlation to another?

The correct answer is that correlational research specifically examines how one variable changes in relation to another variable. This type of research helps to identify and quantify the relationship between two or more variables, revealing whether they tend to increase or decrease together (positive correlation) or whether one variable increases while the other decreases (negative correlation).

Correlational research is essential in development psychology as it can highlight patterns and trends in behavior or development without manipulating the variables. This method is particularly useful in situations where experimentation is not ethical or feasible, allowing researchers to gather valuable insights into relationships that exist naturally.

In contrast, the other answer choices refer to different research methodologies. Dependent variable analysis focuses on measuring the effects of an independent variable but does not inherently describe the relationship between two variables. Independent variable manipulation relates to experimental designs where researchers actively change one variable to observe effects on another, rather than simply observing correlations. Experimental design itself involves rigorous controls and the testing of hypotheses, which is not the aim of correlational research. Thus, correlational research is uniquely suited to describe the nature of relationships between variables.