To examine whether trees are related to air pollution, researchers find a sample of city blocks and measure the amount of greenery and trees and measure the air pollution levels in each location.In the Section 1.3 notes we first refer to the "experiment" and "observational" terminology.Are we describing an experiment or an observational study?
Question
To examine whether trees are related to air pollution, researchers find a sample of city blocks and measure the amount of greenery and trees and measure the air pollution levels in each location.In the Section 1.3 notes we first refer to the "experiment" and "observational" terminology.Are we describing an experiment or an observational study?
Solution
The study described is an observational study, not an experiment. Here's why:
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In an experiment, researchers would actively manipulate variables and control conditions to observe the outcome. For example, they might plant trees in certain areas and not in others, then measure the difference in air pollution.
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In this case, however, researchers are not manipulating any variables. They are simply observing and measuring the amount of greenery and trees and the levels of air pollution in each location. They do not control where trees are planted or how much pollution is produced.
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Therefore, they are observing the natural occurrence of these variables without any intervention. This is characteristic of an observational study.
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In an observational study, researchers can find correlations (like a possible correlation between the number of trees and level of air pollution), but they cannot definitively prove cause and effect. For that, an experiment would be needed.
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