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Questions and Answers
What type of study involves the researcher simply observing the subjects without interfering in a situation that is already occurring?
In an observational study, what control does the researcher have over what happens to the subjects?
What type of study collects data at a specific point in time from different samples, like a 'snapshot'?
Which of the following is NOT true about observational studies?
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What is one limitation of a cross-sectional study highlighted in the text?
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How does a longitudinal study differ from a cross-sectional study?
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In an experimental study, what is the role of the control group?
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What is an extraneous variable in an experimental study?
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Why is it important to have an experimental and a control group in a study seeking causality?
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Which group begins eating only organic food in an experimental study described in the text?
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What is the main responsibility of a statistician before organizing, analyzing, interpreting, or presenting data?
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In an observational study, what distinguishes a cross-sectional study from a longitudinal study?
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What makes a survey an example of an observational study?
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If a researcher wants to determine the effects of organic food on health in a non-experimental setting, what type of study should they consider?
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In an experimental study seeking to determine the effects of organic food consumption on health, what is the purpose of having a control group?
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How can extraneous variables affect the results of an experimental study?
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What distinguishes an experimental study from an observational study?
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What is the primary limitation of using a cross-sectional study design as highlighted in the text?
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Why do experimental studies typically involve dividing subjects into an experimental group and a control group?
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What is the purpose of conducting a longitudinal study over a cross-sectional study when investigating causal relationships?
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Study Notes
Observational Studies
- In an observational study, the researcher simply observes the subjects without interfering in a situation that is already occurring, and has no control over what happens to the subjects.
- Observational studies are used to collect data at a specific point in time from different samples, like a 'snapshot'.
- One limitation of a cross-sectional study is that it only provides a snapshot of the data at a single point in time and does not show causal relationships.
Experimental Studies
- In an experimental study, the control group does not receive the treatment being tested, and is used as a baseline to compare with the experimental group.
- An extraneous variable in an experimental study is a factor that can affect the outcome of the study, but is not the variable being tested.
- Having an experimental and a control group in a study is important to establish causality, as it allows researchers to isolate the effect of the independent variable.
Study Design
- A longitudinal study differs from a cross-sectional study in that it involves collecting data over a longer period of time, rather than at a single point in time.
- A survey is an example of an observational study because it involves collecting data through self-reported responses.
Research Methods
- If a researcher wants to determine the effects of organic food on health in a non-experimental setting, they should consider a longitudinal study.
- In an experimental study, the control group is used to provide a basis for comparison with the experimental group, to determine the effect of the independent variable.
Limitations
- Extraneous variables can affect the results of an experimental study by introducing confounding factors that influence the outcome.
- The primary limitation of using a cross-sectional study design is that it does not allow researchers to establish causal relationships between variables.
Experimental Design
- Experimental studies involve dividing subjects into an experimental group and a control group to establish causality.
- The purpose of conducting a longitudinal study over a cross-sectional study is to investigate causal relationships by collecting data over a longer period of time.
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Description
Learn about observational studies, a research method where researchers observe subjects without interfering. Explore the differences between observational and experimental studies, as well as the importance of collecting primary data.