Unit 3.2 Observational Study vs. Experiment

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What is the main difference between an observational study and an experiment?

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An observational study involves observing subjects without manipulating any variables, while an experiment involves manipulating one or more variables to determine their effect on a response.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

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What defines an experiment in research methodology?

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An experiment is defined by the random assignment of subjects to different groups and the manipulation of an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

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In the context of research, what is a control group?

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A control group is a group of subjects that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested groups do.

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What is a treatment group in an experiment?

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A treatment group is a group of subjects that receives the experimental treatment or intervention.

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What is the purpose of random assignment in experiments?

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Random assignment helps ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group, which minimizes bias and helps establish causality.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

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What type of study is being conducted when a researcher observes the relationship between two variables without intervention?

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This is an observational study.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

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What is a confounding variable?

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A confounding variable is an outside influence that changes the effect of a dependent and independent variable, leading to erroneous conclusions.

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Why is it important to have a large sample size in experiments?

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A large sample size increases the reliability of the results and helps ensure that the findings are statistically significant.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.4

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What is the role of hypothesis testing in experiments?

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Hypothesis testing is used to determine whether there is enough evidence to reject a null hypothesis in favor of an alternative hypothesis.

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What is the significance of blinding in experimental studies?

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Blinding reduces bias by preventing participants or researchers from knowing which group participants belong to, thus minimizing the influence of expectations on the results.