Question
A study suggested that a combination of high blood pressure and recreational drug
use could be lethal. The study followed 8000 men aged 55 and over for two decades
and found that men with high blood pressure who participated in recreational drug
use even occasionally had double the risk of dying from heart disease when compare
to men with normal blood pressure who abstained from recreational drug use.
Is this an observational or experimental study?
The study is an experiment because the researchers assign subjects to certain
experimental groups and observe the outcomes.
The study is an experiment because the researchers can not control what
happens to the group after two decades.
The study is an observational study because the researchers cannot control what
happens to the groups after two decades.
The study is an observational study because the researchers only observe values
of the subjects and do not apply any treatments.
use could be lethal. The study followed 8000 men aged 55 and over for two decades
and found that men with high blood pressure who participated in recreational drug
use even occasionally had double the risk of dying from heart disease when compare
to men with normal blood pressure who abstained from recreational drug use.
Is this an observational or experimental study?
The study is an experiment because the researchers assign subjects to certain
experimental groups and observe the outcomes.
The study is an experiment because the researchers can not control what
happens to the group after two decades.
The study is an observational study because the researchers cannot control what
happens to the groups after two decades.
The study is an observational study because the researchers only observe values
of the subjects and do not apply any treatments.
Ask by Chavez Hamilton. in the United States
Mar 14,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The study is an observational study because the researchers only observed the subjects without applying any treatments.
Solution
To determine whether the study is observational or experimental, let’s analyze the provided options and the nature of the study:
-
Experimental Study: In an experimental study, researchers actively manipulate variables and assign subjects to different groups to observe the effects of those manipulations. This often involves applying treatments or interventions.
-
Observational Study: In an observational study, researchers observe subjects without manipulating any variables. They collect data on existing conditions or behaviors and analyze the outcomes without intervention.
Now, let’s evaluate the statements:
-
Option 1: “The study is an experiment because the researchers assign subjects to certain experimental groups and observe the outcomes.”
- This is incorrect because the researchers did not assign subjects to groups; they observed existing conditions.
-
Option 2: “The study is an experiment because the researchers cannot control what happens to the group after two decades.”
- This is misleading. The inability to control outcomes does not make it an experiment.
-
Option 3: “The study is an observational study because the researchers cannot control what happens to the groups after two decades.”
- This is partially correct, but it doesn’t fully capture the essence of an observational study.
-
Option 4: “The study is an observational study because the researchers only observe values of the subjects and do not apply any treatments.”
- This is the most accurate statement. The researchers observed the subjects’ conditions (high blood pressure and drug use) without applying any treatments or interventions.
Based on this analysis, the correct conclusion is:
The study is an observational study because the researchers only observe values of the subjects and do not apply any treatments.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
Like
error msg
Explain 
Simplify this solution The Deep Dive
The study you described is an observational study because researchers simply gathered data on the participants’ blood pressure levels and recreational drug use without intervening or assigning specific treatments. They observed the outcomes in their natural settings over time, which is typical for this type of research. This means they noted correlations but did not create controlled conditions to establish cause and effect.
In practical terms, understanding the risks highlighted in observational studies can help inform public health policies and personal choices. People with high blood pressure might consider avoiding recreational drugs to reduce their heart disease risk. These real-world implications underline the importance of lifestyle management for better health outcomes.
