A.P Observation vs. Experiment

• Researchers collect data from 200 high school students on how many hours they sleep each night, without influencing or altering their sleep habits. They also gather each student’s GPA for the current school year. Researchers then analyze the data to determine if there is a correlation between sleep duration and GPA.

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• The example of Observational Study

• The example of Experimental Study

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.A.1

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.6

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.8

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Researchers visit 10 schools and observe the teaching methods already in place, without influencing or altering how teachers conduct their classes. They collect data on the teaching methods used (e.g., lecture-based, group work, or interactive methods) and gather the students' standardized test scores. Researchers analyze the data to identify if there is a correlation between the teaching methods and the students' test scores.

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• The example of Observational Study

• The example of Experimental Study

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.6

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.8

• Selection of Participants: Researchers recruit 200 high school students and randomly assign them to two groups: Group A (traditional lecture-based teaching), Group B (interactive teaching methods). Intervention: Each group is taught the same subject material over a semester but using different teaching methods. Group A receives instruction through traditional lectures. Group B engages in interactive teaching methods, incorporating technology and discussions. Data Analysis: Researchers compare the test scores of the three groups to assess the effectiveness of each teaching method.

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• The example of Observational Study

• The example of Experimental Study

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CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.5

• Selection of Participants: Researchers select 150 high school students and randomly divide them into two groups: the first group and the control group. Intervention: The second group uses a gamified learning platform for the subject material, where lessons are delivered through interactive games and quizzes. The control group receives traditional instruction without any gamification elements. Duration: Both groups participate in their respective instructional methods over a period of eight weeks. Assessment: At the end of the eight weeks, both groups take the same standardized test covering the same material. Data Analysis: Researchers compare the test scores between the two groups to determine if the gamified approach led to significantly higher scores than the traditional method.

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• The example of Observational Study

• The example of Experimental Study

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.A.1

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.5

• Ms. Rivera, a teacher, spends two weeks in the playground during recess, taking notes on how her students engage with each other. She categorizes their activities into three main types: Solitary Play: Children playing alone, such as reading a book or drawing in the sand. Parallel Play: Children playing side by side but not directly interacting, like two kids building sandcastles near each other.

  • Cooperative Play: Children working together, such as playing tag or building a fort. Findings: Ms. Rivera notices that younger students often engage in solitary play, while older students frequently participate in cooperative activities, leading to stronger friendships.

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• The example of Observational Study

• The example of Experimental Study

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

• Ms. Rivera, a teacher, organizes an experiment over two weeks during recess. She divides her students into two groups:

  • Group A participates in structured group activities, such as team games and collaborative projects.

  • Group B has free play, allowing them to choose their activities without any specific guidance. Assessment:
    At the end of the two weeks, Ms. Rivera evaluates the children's social interactions by recording instances of cooperative play, communication, and the formation of new friendships in both groups.

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• The example of Observational Study

• The example of Experimental Study

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

A psychologist designed a study to test the effects of cell phone use on driving safety. Participants were randomly assigned either to drive an automobile simulator while talking to a friend on a cell phone or to drive a simulator without talking on a phone.

Which type of research does the scenario describe?

• Experiment

• Observation

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.5

To test the effects of breakfast on grades I ask my students if they ate breakfast and then compare the breakfast eaters grades to the non-breakfast eaters.

This is an example of:

• Observational study

• Experiment

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

Researchers wanted to know if there is a link between proximity to high-tension wires and the rate of leukemia in children. To conduct the study, researchers compared the rate of leukemia for children who lived within 1/2 mile of high-tension wires to the rate of leukemia for children who did not live within 1/2 mile of high-tension wires.

• Observational Study

• Experiment

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

Rats with cancer are divided into two groups. One group receives 5 milligrams of a medication that is thought to fight cancer and the other receives 10 mg. After 2 years, the spread of cancer is measured.

• Observational Study

• Experiment

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.5