Question

Discuss the differences between experimental studies and observational studies and how confounding variables can influence the results. Give an example of each. Remember to have at least one thoughtful comment on other answers.

Answer 1

• In an observational study, we measure or survey members of a sample without trying to affect them.
• In an experimental Study, we assign people or things to groups and apply some treatment to one of the groups, while the other group does not receive the treatment.

Examples :

• Observational Study

A study took random sample of adults and asked them about their bedtime habits. The data showed that people who drank a cup of tea before bedtime were more likely to go to sleep earlier than those who didn't drink tea.

• Experimental Study

A study randomly assigned volunteers to one of two groups:

• One group was directed to use social media sites as they usually do.
• One group was blocked from social media sites.

The researchers looked at which group tended to be happier