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Determine whether an observational study or an experimental study is used. In a public park, visitors were asked how many minutes a day they walked their dogs. Observational

Ask by Dawson Chen. in the United States
Jan 16,2025

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An observational study is used because researchers are simply collecting data by asking visitors how many minutes they walk their dogs without manipulating any variables.

Solution

In the scenario described, an observational study is indeed used. Here's the reasoning: 1. **Definition of Observational Study**: In an observational study, researchers observe subjects without manipulating any variables. They collect data based on what the subjects do naturally. 2. **Definition of Experimental Study**: In an experimental study, researchers actively intervene by manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect of that manipulation on other variables. 3. **Analysis of the Scenario**: - In the public park, visitors are simply asked about their dog-walking habits. The researchers are not influencing or changing any conditions; they are merely collecting information based on the visitors' responses. - There is no intervention or treatment applied to the visitors; they are not assigned to different groups or conditions. Therefore, since the researchers are only observing and collecting data without any manipulation, this is classified as an observational study.

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In this scenario, the researchers simply observed and collected information from park visitors without manipulating any variables. They relied on participants’ self-reports regarding their dog-walking habits, which showcases a typical observational study design. Since there was no intervention or assignment of specific conditions, the findings can only establish associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships. It's fascinating to note that observational studies like this can help generate hypotheses or identify trends that might be explored further in experimental studies. They’re often used in public health research to assess behaviors in real-world settings, providing valuable insights without the ethical concerns that might come with experimentation.

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