/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 14 Determine whether the study depi... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Determine whether the study depicts an observational study or an experiment. Two hundred people are asked to perform a taste test in which they drink from two randomly placed, unmarked cups and asked which drink they prefer.

Short Answer

Expert verified
This study is an experiment.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Definition of Observational Study

An observational study involves observing subjects and measuring variables of interest without assigning treatments to the subjects. The researcher does not influence the subjects' responses.
02

Understand the Definition of Experiment

An experiment involves manipulating one or more variables to determine their effect on a response variable. Treatments are deliberately imposed on the subjects by the researcher.
03

Analyze Key Elements of the Taste Test

In the given exercise, two hundred people are asked to perform a taste test with two randomly placed, unmarked cups and express their preference. The researcher is controlling which drinks the participants taste and in what manner.
04

Categorize the Study

Since the researcher is controlling certain factors (the drinks and their placement), this study involves manipulation, which means it is an experiment.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Observational Study
An observational study is a type of research where the investigator observes subjects and measures variables of interest without manipulating any variables. In other words, the researcher does not intervene or alter the conditions. They simply collect data as it naturally occurs.
For example:
  • Watching birds in a park to see which species visit a specific feeder.
  • Recording temperatures across a city without changing weather conditions.
The key aspect of observational studies is the lack of control over the variables. Researchers gather information without interfering, allowing them to see what happens naturally.
Experiment
An experiment is a study in which one or more variables are manipulated by the researcher to observe the effect on a response variable. This means the investigator actively intervenes and controls the conditions.
Essential elements of an experiment include:
  • The independent variable(s): the variable(s) manipulated by the researcher.
  • The dependent variable: the outcome or response measured.
  • Control group: used to compare the effect of the manipulation.
For example, a scientist might change the amount of sunlight different plants receive to determine its effect on growth rates. By manipulating variables, experiments can help determine cause-and-effect relationships.
Manipulation of Variables
Manipulating variables is a critical part of conducting an experiment. It involves changing one or more factors to observe their effect on another variable. The manipulated variable(s) are called the independent variable(s). The variable that responds to the changes is called the dependent variable.
In our taste test example, manipulation happens because:
  • The types of drinks (independent variable) are chosen by the researchers.
  • The preference for one drink over another (dependent variable) is recorded.
Through manipulation, researchers aim to determine how differences in the independent variable(s) cause changes in the dependent variable. This helps in understanding the relationship between variables.
Taste Test Analysis
In a taste test analysis, participants are asked to try different products and express their preferences. This can be used for various purposes, such as product development or marketing strategies. The setup usually involves:
  • Randomly assigning the order or placement of samples.
  • Using unmarked or blind samples to avoid bias.
  • Collecting participants' feedback on their preferences.
In the given exercise, 200 people taste drinks from two randomly placed, unmarked cups. This setup ensures that the preference is based only on the taste and not influenced by packaging or branding. The controlled placement and anonymity of the samples indicate that it is an experiment rather than an observational study.

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