Multiple 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?
1. Introduction to Statistics
Intro to Collecting Data
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A store surveys its target demographic and learns that 86% of people would purchase the product they’ve been heavily advertising. Is this an experiment or an observational study? Can they conclude their current advertising strategy caused the high percentage of interest?
A
Experiment; yes
B
Experiment; no
C
Observational study; yes
D
Observational study; no
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the key characteristics of an experiment: In an experiment, researchers manipulate one or more variables (independent variables) to observe the effect on another variable (dependent variable), often with a control group for comparison.
Identify the key characteristics of an observational study: In an observational study, researchers observe and collect data without manipulating any variables. They do not control the environment or assign treatments.
Analyze the scenario: The store conducted a survey to gather data on customer interest. They did not manipulate any variables or assign treatments to participants, which means this is an observational study.
Understand causation vs. correlation: Observational studies can identify correlations but cannot establish causation because there is no control over external factors that might influence the results.
Conclude: Since this is an observational study, the store cannot conclude that their advertising strategy caused the high percentage of interest. Correlation does not imply causation.
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