Observational and Experimental Studies

The video explains the difference between observational studies and experiments, highlighting key vocabulary such as subjects, variables, and factors. Observational studies involve observing subjects without manipulation, making it difficult to establish causality. Experiments, on the other hand, involve deliberate manipulation of factors to determine causality. The video also discusses types of observational studies, including retrospective and prospective studies, and provides examples to illustrate the concepts.

What is the term used for the people chosen to be examined in a study?

• Subjects or Participants

• Variables

• Factors

• Experimental Units

In an observational study, what is the role of the researcher regarding the factors?

• Observe without manipulating factors

• Assign factors to participants

• Ensure causality is determined

• Manipulate the factors

Why can't observational studies determine causality?

• Because they are retrospective

• Because they are prospective

• Due to the presence of lurking variables

• Because they involve manipulation of variables

What is a key characteristic of an experiment?

• Causality cannot be determined

• Data is collected from the past

• Factors are deliberately manipulated

• Participants are observed without intervention

In an experiment, what is the term for the variable that is manipulated?

• Factor

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Subject

What distinguishes a retrospective study from a prospective study?

• Prospective studies collect data from the past

• Retrospective studies collect data as events unfold

• Prospective studies involve manipulation of variables

• Retrospective studies collect data from the past

In a prospective study, how is data collected?

• By manipulating variables

• Through random assignment

• From past records

• As events unfold

Which type of study allows for the determination of causality?

• Prospective study

• Experiment

• Retrospective study

• Observational study

What is the main goal of an experiment?

• To collect historical data

• To observe natural behavior

• To prove cause and effect

• To identify lurking variables

How are participants assigned in an experiment?

• Based on their preferences

• Randomly with varying conditions

• According to past data

• Without any specific criteria