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
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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.