observational study

(noun)

a study drawing inferences about the possible effect of a treatment on subjects, where the assignment of subjects into a treated group versus a control group is outside the control of the investigator

Related Terms

  • causality

Examples of observational study in the following topics:

  • Introducing observational studies and experiments

    • There are two primary types of data collection: observational studies and experiments.
    • Researchers perform an observational study when they collect data in a way thatdoes not directly interfere with how the data arise.
    • In each of these situations, researchers merely observe the data that arise.
    • In general, observational studies can provide evidence of a naturally occurring association between variables, but they cannot by themselves show a causal connection.
    • See the case study inSection 1.1 for another example of an experiment, though that study did not employ a placebo.
  • What are Observational Studies?

    • An observational study is one in which no variables can be manipulated or controlled by the investigator.
    • There are two major types of causal statistical studies: experimental studies and observational studies.
    • In other words, observational studies have no independent variables -- nothing is manipulated by the experimenter.
    • In an observational study, the assignment of treatments may be beyond the control of the investigator for a variety of reasons:
    • Identify situations in which observational studies are necessary and the challenges that arise in their interpretation.
  • Observational studies

    • Generally, data in observational studies are collected only by monitoring what occurs, while experiments require the primary explanatory variable in a study be assigned for each subject by the researchers.
    • Thus, observational studies are generally only sufficient to show associations.
    • Suppose an observational study tracked sunscreen use and skin cancer, and it was found that the more sunscreen someone used, the more likely the person was to have skin cancer.
    • In the same way, the county data set is an observational study with confounding variables, and its data cannot easily be used to make causal conclusions.
    • Generally, data in observational studies are collected only by monitoring what occurs, while experiments require the primary explanatory variable in a study be assigned for each subject by the researchers.
  • Observation

    • Often researchers in observational studies will try to blend in seamlessly with the sample group to avoid compromising the results of their observations.
    • Unlike correlational and experimental research which use quantitative data, observational studies tend to use qualitative data.
    • There are some areas of study where observational studies are more advantageous than others.
    • Some studies require dozens of observation sessions lasting for several hours and sometimes involving several researchers.
    • Give examples of when observational studies would be advantageous, and when they would have limitations
  • Overview of data collection principles exercises

    • Make sure to discuss unusual observations, if any.
    • Make sure to discuss unusual observations, if any.
    • However, since the study is observational, the findings do not imply causal relationships.
    • The variability in GPA also appears to be larger for students who study less than those who study more.
    • (d) Since this is an observational study, a causal relationship is not implied.
  • Hypotheses and Tests

    • Economics, as a science, follows the scientific method in order to study data, observe patterns, and predict results of stimuli.
    • Economics, as a science, follows the scientific method in order to study data, observe patterns, and predict results of stimuli.
    • What is the economist studying?
    • The observations must be tested to make sure they are unbiased and reproducible.
    • The scientific method is used in economics to study data, observe patterns, and predict results.
  • Methods for Researching Human Development

    • To study changes in individuals over time, developmental psychologists use systematic observation, including naturalistic or structured observation; self-reports, which could be clinical interviews or structured observation; clinical or case study methods; and ethnography or participant observation.
    • Regardless of whether studies employ the experimental, correlational, or case study methodology, they can use research designs or logical frameworks to make key comparisons within research studies.
    • In a longitudinal study, a researcher observes many individuals born at or around the same time (a cohort) and carries out new observations as members of the cohort age.
    • In a cross-sectional study, a researcher observes differences between individuals of different ages at the same time.
    • In a longitudinal study, a researcher observes many individuals born at or around the same time and observes them as they age.
  • Descriptive Research

    • Descriptive research refers to the measurement of behaviors and attributes through observation rather than through experimental testing.
    • Research studies that do not test specific relationships between variables are called descriptive studies.
    • These studies are used to describe general or specific behaviors and attributes that are observed and measured.
    • Often a researcher will begin with a non-experimental approach, such as a descriptive study, to gather more information about the topic before designing an experiment or correlational study to address a specific hypothesis.
    • One important kind of descriptive research in psychology is the case study, which uses interviews, observation, or records to gain an in-depth understanding of a single person, group, or phenomenon.
  • Case Studies

    • Cast studies also tend to be far more in-depth than observational research in that they use multiple measures or records and focus on a single subject.
    • Case studies use techniques such as personal interviews, direct observation, psychometric tests, and archival records to gather information.
    • Lastly, this type of research also allows for the observation of phenomenon in real-life situations.
    • Case studies also cannot test hypotheses.
    • The observations made in a case study are based on a very limited sample, and since this sample is not randomized or typically very large, the findings cannot be extrapolated to apply to broader contexts.
  • Bandura and Observational Learning

    • One of the first recorded instances of observational learning in research was the 1961 study performed by Albert Bandura.
    • In his experiment, Bandura studied the responses of nursery-school-aged children to the actions of adults.
    • In many cases the observer possesses the necessary responses, but sometimes reproducing the observed actions may involve skills the observer has not yet acquired.
    • An observer must be motivated to reproduce the actions they have seen.
    • The Bobo-doll experiment was conducted by Albert Bandura in 1961 and studied patterns of behavior associated with aggression.
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