Correlational research is a type of study that examines the relationship between two or more variables. It helps researchers understand how changes in one variable may be associated with changes in another. For example, a study might explore the correlation between exercise and mental health to see if increased physical activity is linked to improved mood. This research does not establish cause-and-effect relationships; it only identifies patterns or associations. A positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other does too, while a negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other decreases.