Exploring Experiments and Observational Studies in AP Statistics

Why might a doctor use statistics?

• To determine the best medication for a patient

• To calculate the hospital's budget

• To schedule appointments

• To design the hospital layout

What is a key characteristic of an observational study?

• The observer changes at least one factor in the study

• The observer has no direct interaction with the experimental units

• The observer applies treatments to the experimental units

• The observer interacts directly with the experimental units

In an experiment, what does the observer do?

• Collects data without any interaction

• Applies treatments and observes the effects

• Assumes results about the population

• Watches without influencing the experimental units

What conclusion can a doctor draw if medicine B shows better results than medicine A?

• Neither medicine is effective

• Both medicines are equally effective

• Medicine B is more effective

• Medicine A is more effective

How does an investor conduct an observational study?

• By directly influencing the company's activities

• By applying treatments to companies

• By changing the company's products

• By observing company progressions and patterns

What action did the CEO take to conduct an experiment?

• Observed the company's stock prices

• Changed the tie color from red to blue

• Invested in another company

• Analyzed market trends

What is a non-random sample in an observational study likely to cause?

• Random results

• Accurate results

• Biased results

• No results

What is a 'population of interest' in an experiment?

• A specific group relevant to the study

• A sample chosen for convenience

• A group with no relevance to the study

• A random sample of the population

How can observational studies be categorized?

• By the number of observers

• By the method of sample selection

• By the type of treatments applied

• By the duration of the study

What determines the selection method in an experiment?

• The experimental units' availability

• The observer's preference

• The duration of the experiment

• The situation and context of the experiment