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An observational study is a research method where scientists observe and gather data on subjects without manipulating or controlling any variables. In these studies, researchers aim to find correlations or patterns between different variables based on their natural behavior.
This type of study is beneficial when experimentation is impractical or unethical. For example, when studying the effects of video games on visual skills, researchers might not be able to randomly assign individuals to play or avoid video games for extended periods.
Observational studies can provide insights, but because there is no control over variables, they cannot establish causation. They can only suggest associations between the factors being studied.

In statistics, an explanatory variable is one that is thought to cause or predict changes in another variable. It's sometimes called an independent variable because it is not influenced by the changes in other variables within the study. In our example of young men and video games, whether the participants regularly play video games serves as the explanatory variable.
Researchers investigate whether this factor might cause differences in the outcome, which in this context, would be the visual skills of the participants. Shifts in this variable (e.g., frequency or intensity of video gaming) might influence the response variable, helping us understand any potential links between gaming habits and visual abilities.

The response variable, often referred to as the dependent variable, is what researchers measure or observe to understand the effect of the explanatory variable. In the study about video games and visual skills, the response variable is the performance on visual skills tests.
This variable is crucial as it tells researchers whether the initial hypothesis holds any weight. If differences in visual skills test results can be observed based on video gaming habits, it suggests (though does not prove) a connection between these two factors. Ultimately, understanding the response variable allows researchers to make informed interpretations about the associations observed in the study.

A lurking variable is a hidden or unseen factor that influences both the explanatory and response variables, potentially confounding the results of a study. In observational studies, these variables can bias findings, creating an apparent connection between two factors that might actually be caused by something else.
In the video games study, a possible lurking variable might be overall screen time, which includes activities such as watching TV or using a smartphone. These activities might impact visual skills similarly to video gaming, suggesting an indirect relationship. Identifying and accounting for lurking variables is crucial to ensure that observations do not lead to false conclusions.