Question

Determine whether the study is an experiment or an observational study, and then identify a major problem with the study. An independent researcher tested the effectiveness of the Atkins weight loss program by randomly selecting 1000 subjects using that program. Each of the subjects was called to report their weight before the diet and after the diet.

Name: Problem 26, Chapter 1: Elementary Statistics
Uploaded: 2020-10-11T10:37:34-08:00
Duration: 59 s
Channel: Harsh Gadhiya
Description: Determine whether the study is an experiment or an observational study, and then identify a major problem with the study. An independent researcher tested the effectiveness of the Atkins weight loss program by randomly selecting 1000 subjects using that program. Each of the subjects was called to report their weight before the diet and after the diet.

   Determine whether the study is an experiment or an observational study, and then identify a major problem with the study.
An independent researcher tested the effectiveness of the Atkins weight loss program by randomly selecting 1000 subjects using that program. Each of the subjects was called to report their weight before the diet and after the diet.

Elementary Statistics

Mario F. Triola 13th Edition

Chapter 1, Problem 26

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Harsh Gadhiya

10/11/2020

Step 1

In this case, the researcher is not manipulating any variables or conditions, but is simply observing the subjects who are already following the Atkins weight loss program. Therefore, this is an observational study. In LaTeX format: \textbf{ Show more…

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Determine whether the study is an experiment or an observational study, and then identify a major problem with the study. An independent researcher tested the effectiveness of the Atkins weight loss program by randomly selecting 1000 subjects using that program. Each of the subjects was called to report their weight before the diet and after the diet.

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Key Concepts

Observational Study

An observational study is one in which researchers collect data on subjects without manipulating the treatment conditions. In this context, since the subjects were already using the Atkins program rather than being randomly assigned to use it or a control condition, the study is observational. This means that while associations can be identified, no definitive cause?and–effect relationship can be established.

Selection Bias and Confounding Variables

A major concern in observational studies like this one is the potential for selection bias, where the individuals who choose to participate in the treatment may differ in significant ways from those who do not. Additionally, confounding variables — other factors that differ between those who choose the program and those who do not — can affect the outcome, making it difficult to isolate the effect of the weight loss program itself.

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