Exercise 7 Page 813

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

Type: Survey
Explanation: Data is obtained from the questionnaire.

Practice makes perfect

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

The homecoming dance committee sends out a questionnaire to all the girls in the school to decide on a theme for the homecoming dance.

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

Study Type	Definition
Survey	Data are collected from responses given a sample regarding their characteristics , behaviors, or opinions.
Observational Study	Members of a sample are measured or observed without being affected by the study.
Experiment	The sample is divided into two groups — an experimental group that undergoes a change and a control group that does not undergo a change. The effect on the experimental group is then compared to the control group.

In our situation, the data is obtained from opinions given by people who are send a questionnaire. Therefore, the situation describes a survey.

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