Question

For each of the statistical studies described indicate whether the study is an observational study or an experiment. Give a brief explanation for your choice. The following conclusion from a statistical study appeared in the article "Smartphone Nation" (AARP Bulletin, September 2009): "If you love your smart phone, you are not alone. Half of all boomers sleep with their cell phone within arm's length. Two of three people ages 50 to 64 use a cell phone to take photos, according to a 2010 Pew Research Center report."

Short answer

The study in question is an observational study, as it is merely observing and recording existing behavior significant to cell phone usage among certain age groups without implementing any specific treatments or controlled variables.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Study Context

Start by reading and understanding the content. The information given is about cell phone usage among individuals within certain age brackets. It mentions behavioral patterns like sleeping with cell phones within arm's length and using cell phones to take photos.

Identifying the Type of Research

No specific treatment or controlled variable was applied to the group. Instead, these people's behavior was observed and data was collected. Therefore, the study is an observational study.

Giving Explanation for Your Choice

The reason for labeling this as an observational study lies in the methodology of the research. The researchers observed and analyzed the naturally occurring behaviors and demographics without any interference in their interactions with their cell phones.

Key concepts

Observational Study

When diving into the realm of scientific research, an observational study is a foundational method for gathering data. In such studies, researchers closely monitor subjects without altering their environment or dictating their actions. This non-intrusive approach is key to understanding natural behaviors and outcomes.

For example, consider a study analyzing smartphone habits among baby boomers; researchers might tally how many individuals sleep with their phones within arm's reach. Since they're merely capturing information without imposing any specific conditions, this is an observational study. Unlike experiments, where variables are manipulated to observe effects, observational studies are about watching and recording, offering insights into real-world dynamics.

Statistical Studies

Delving into statistical studies unveils a spectrum of research techniques used to collect, analyze, and interpret data. These studies can include both observational work and controlled experiments. Statistical studies harness the power of mathematics to derive meaning from numbers, often using probability to make inferences about larger populations based on sampled data.

Statistical studies are predicated on sound design and methodology, whether they are predicting trends, testing hypotheses, or simply describing phenomena. The aforementioned study on boomers and their cell phones relies on such statistical analyses to conclude, for instance, the percentage of a certain age group using their phones for photography.

Data Collection Methods

With regard to data collection methods, researchers can choose from a varied toolkit. Surveys, interviews, observations, and recordings are just a few of the techniques employed to amass data. Each method is chosen based on its relevance to the research question and its ability to provide reliable, actionable insights.

When researchers record the distance between boomers and their smartphones at night, they could be using direct observation or engaging participants through surveys. In either case, these methods must be systematically applied and can heavily influence the study's outcomes, highlighting the importance of carefully planning the data collection process.

Research Methodology

Research methodology is the backbone of any scientific study. It encompasses the overall plan, from the type of research (qualitative or quantitative) to the techniques used for collecting and analyzing data. An effective methodology is transparent, reproducible, and aligns with the research objectives.

In our cell phone usage study, the methodology includes the demographic (ages 50 to 64), what behaviors are being observed (phone usage habits), and how these observations are made (surveys or direct observations by the researchers). It's this systematic approach that provides credibility and relatability to the study's conclusions, making the research useful for stakeholders or individuals interested in the topic.