Observational and Experimental studies

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What is an observational study?

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An observational study is a type of research where the researcher observes and records behavior or outcomes without manipulating any variables. It aims to identify patterns or correlations.

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What is an experiment?

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An experiment is a research method where the researcher manipulates one or more variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable, often involving control and experimental groups.

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What is the main difference between observational studies and experiments?

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The main difference is that in observational studies, the researcher does not intervene or manipulate variables, while in experiments, the researcher actively manipulates variables to observe effects.

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What is a control group in an experiment?

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A control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested, serving as a baseline to compare against the experimental group.

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What is a dependent variable?

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A dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

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What is an independent variable?

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An independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

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What does random assignment mean in experimental research?

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Random assignment is the process of randomly allocating participants to different groups in an experiment to ensure that each group is similar and to reduce bias.

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What is a sample survey?

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A sample survey is a method of collecting data by selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population to infer characteristics about the whole population.

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What is bias in research?

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Bias in research refers to systematic errors that can affect the validity of study results, often due to the way participants are selected or how data is collected.

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What is the purpose of using a large sample size in studies?

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A large sample size increases the reliability and validity of the results, reducing the impact of random variation and allowing for more accurate generalizations.