Observational vs. Experimental Studies Quiz

What makes a study experimental rather than observational?

• It uses surveys to ask opinions

• It measures variables in the real world

• The researcher manipulates a variable

• The researcher watches without interfering

A researcher records how often students visit the library and their GPA at the end of the semester. What type of study is this?

• Experimental Study

• Observational Study

• Survey

• Simulation

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

A scientist divides a group of plants into two. One group is watered with regular water, and the other with a special nutrient mix. What kind of study is this?

• Survey

• Observational Study

• Experimental Study

• Comparative Study

In an experiment testing a new study technique, the control group should:

• Not study at all

• Use the traditional method

• Be selected by volunteers

• Take a different subject

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.3

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

A school wants to know if a new homework policy affects student performance. They randomly assign half the classes to follow the new policy. What type of study is this?

• Observational Study

• Experimental Study

• Case Study

• Survey

A fitness coach tracks how many hours her clients exercise per week and compares it to their body fat percentage. She does not assign any workout routines. What is this an example of?

• Observational Study

• Experimental Study

• Survey

• Blind Study

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good experimental study?

• Random assignment

• A control group

• Pretest and posttest

• Letting participants choose their group

A local bakery tracks which customers buy gluten-free products and how often they return. No one is asked to buy anything. What type of study is this?

• Experimental Study

• Observational Study

• Simulation

• Survey

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

In an experimental study testing a new learning app, what is the most important reason for having a pretest?

• To confuse the control group

• To give students more practice

• To measure starting performance

• To improve the app interface

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

A researcher observes the eating habits of night shift nurses without assigning any diets. Which type of study is this?

• Survey

• Observational Study

• Experimental Study

• Interview