Research question: Does the amount of money Penn State World Campus students spend on a first date impact the likelihood of a second date? Researchers investigated the dating behaviors among Penn State World Campus students. To facilitate this, they placed an advertisement on a widely used dating application, seeking volunteers to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey is designed to collect data on two variables: the total monetary expenditure (in dollars) of the participants' most recent first date and the outcome regarding a second date (yes/no). 86 Penn State World Campus students completed the survey. Question 1 Is this an observational or experimental study? Explain how you determined this. Edit pts View

This is an **observational study**. **Explanation:** In an observational study, researchers collect data on subjects without manipulating any variables or assigning specific treatments. They simply observe and measure variables of interest as they naturally occur. In the described scenario: - **Data Collection Method:** The researchers placed an advertisement seeking volunteers to complete a survey. They did not assign any specific conditions or interventions to the participants. - **Variables:** They measured two existing variables—the amount of money spent on a first date and whether a second date occurred. - **No Manipulation:** There was no attempt to control or manipulate the participants' spending or dating outcomes. The researchers simply observed and recorded the participants' self-reported behaviors and results. Since the study relies on observing natural behaviors without any experimental intervention, it qualifies as an observational study.