Pearson Algebra 2 Common Core, 2011
PA
Pearson Algebra 2 Common Core, 2011 View details
End-of-Course Assessment

Exercise 58 Page 969

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

F

Practice makes perfect

We want to determine the type of study being conducted to get the most reliable results in the described situation.

A scientist wants to study the affects of a new medication on acne.

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

Study Type Definition
Controlled 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.
Observational Study Members of a sample are measured or observed without being affected by the study.
Survey Data are collected from responses given a sample regarding their characteristics , behaviors, or opinions.

In our situation, the scientist needs to divide participants into the treatment group and the control group to be able to examine the effects of the medication on these different groups of people. Therefore, the scientist should conduct a controlled experiment, which corresponds to option F. Note that a random sample is not one of the study types.