A software development company created a new app for fitness, and they want to determine if using the app can lead to weight loss and increased strength in customers. Should they run an observational study or experiment?
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Statistics53m
- 2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs2h 1m
- 3. Describing Data Numerically1h 48m
- 4. Probability2h 26m
- 5. Binomial Distribution & Discrete Random Variables2h 55m
- 6. Normal Distribution & Continuous Random Variables1h 48m
- 7. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Mean2h 8m
- 8. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Proportion1h 20m
- 9. Hypothesis Testing for One Sample2h 23m
- 10. Hypothesis Testing for Two Samples3h 25m
- 11. Correlation1h 6m
- 12. Regression1h 4m
- 13. Chi-Square Tests & Goodness of Fit1h 30m
- 14. ANOVA1h 4m
1. Introduction to Statistics
Intro to Collecting Data
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
An office manager wants to determine how employees feel about their personal growth and professional achievement in the last quarter. Should they run an observational study or experiment?
A
Experiment
B
Observational study
C
Neither
D
Both

1
Understand the difference between an observational study and an experiment: An observational study involves observing and collecting data without manipulating any variables, while an experiment involves actively manipulating one or more variables to observe their effect on an outcome.
Identify the goal of the office manager: The manager wants to determine how employees feel about their personal growth and professional achievement, which involves collecting subjective opinions or perceptions.
Determine whether manipulation of variables is necessary: Since the manager is only interested in gathering employees' feelings and not testing the effect of any intervention or change, no variables need to be manipulated.
Conclude that this situation aligns with an observational study: The manager would likely conduct surveys, interviews, or other methods to observe and record employees' responses without interference.
Verify that an experiment is not appropriate: An experiment would require introducing a specific change or treatment to measure its impact, which is not the case here. Therefore, the correct approach is an observational study.
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