LESSON: Observational Studies vs. Experiments
Data Collection Methods
There are many ways one can collect data in statistics. We just finished learning about one method, which was through surveys. Surveys are a great way to investigate characteristics of a population. Most often, surveys are conducted by asking people questions.
Sometimes though, surveys don't answer the questions we have, so we have other methods of collecting data to help us. The following are two more ways we are going to learn about for collecting data:
Observational Study: In an observational study, a researcher observes, measures and records characteristics of interest of part of a population but does not change any existing conditions. The researcher is simply observing.
Experiment: When performing an experiment, a treatment is applied to part of a population and then responses are observed, measured and recorded.
Watch the video below to see an example of an observational study and an experiment.