Exercise 23 Page 615

What are the differences between an experiment, an observational study, a survey, and a simulation?

Observational study, see solution.

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We want to determine the type of study being conducted in the described situation.

A researcher compares incomes of people who live in rural areas with those who live in large urban areas.

To do so, let's first recall the different types of studies and their definitions.

Study Type	Definition
Experiment	The sample is divided into one or more groups, that undergo a change in order to collect data on their response. The effects of the experiment are then measured and compared with other groups, for instance with a control group that does not undergo a change.
Observational Study	Members of a sample are measured or observed without being affected by the study.
Survey	Data are collected from responses given by a sample regarding their characteristics, behaviors, or opinions.
Simulation	Uses a model to reproduce a situation or a process so that the simulated outcomes closely match the real-world outcomes.

In our situation, the data are obtained by measuring incomes of people from each group without affecting the individuals or their environment. Therefore, the situation describes an observational study.

Subchapter links

Communicate Your Answer p.609

Monitoring Progress p.611-613

Exercises p.614-616

Exercise 23 Page 615

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