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 article "Workers Grow More Dissatisfied" (San Luis Obispo Tribune, August 22,2002 ) states that "a study of 5,000 people found that while most Americans continue to find their jobs interesting, and are even satisfied with their commutes, a bare majority like their jobs." This statement was based on the fact that only \(51 \%\) of those responding to the survey indicated they were satisfied with their jobs.

Short answer

The study is an observational study because it is simply observing and measuring a variable of interest (job satisfaction) without intervening or influencing any variables.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Experiment or Observational Study

Firstly, look at the characteristics of the study given in the exercise. In this case, the study is surveying people to measure variables of interest, but it is not applying any treatments or interventions. Therefore, the study is an observational study.

Provide Explanation

Give a brief explanation for classifying the study as an observational study. Here, researchers are observing and measuring a variable of interest (job satisfaction), without influencing any variables. Participants are not split into groups nor treated differently. Therefore, no variables are manipulated or controlled, which is a characteristic of an observational study.

Key concepts

Statistical Studies

Understanding the different types of statistical studies is fundamental in the world of research. Statistical studies can broadly be categorized into experiments and observational studies.

In an experiment, researchers actively intervene in the study, manipulating variables to observe the effects of these changes. For instance, a medical trial where one group receives a new medication and another receives a placebo is experimental; researchers are controlling the conditions and observing results.

Observational studies, on the other hand, involve simply observing and recording data without interference. Just like the newspaper article that referenced a survey on job satisfaction—it reported findings from observations of existing conditions without manipulating any aspect of the participants' experience. Understanding the distinction between these two approaches is critical for interpreting study findings accurately.

Survey Research

Survey research is a method of collecting information by asking questions to a predefined group of individuals. This technique provides valuable insights into various topics, including opinions, behaviors, and demographic characteristics.

Surveys can be conducted in several ways, such as face-to-face interviews, telephone calls, mailed questionnaires, or online forms. The design of the survey, including the questions and how they are asked, significantly affects the quality of the data collected. It's important to ensure that questions are unbiased and clear to avoid misinterpretation. The study mentioned in the newspaper is an example of survey research, aiming to quantify the level of job satisfaction among workers.

Variables of Interest

In research, 'variables of interest' are the aspects or characteristics that investigators aim to measure or assess. These can range from simple measurements, like height or weight, to complex concepts like job satisfaction or quality of life.

In the context of the discussed study, job satisfaction is the variable of interest. Its measure is essential for understanding the overall sense of fulfillment or happiness that individuals derive from their jobs. Such variables require careful definition and reliable measurement tools to ensure that the data collected accurately represents the phenomena under investigation.

Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is a multifaceted concept that reflects an individual's overall contentment with their job. This encompasses aspects such as engagement with the work, compensation, work-life balance, and relationships with colleagues and superiors.

Research into job satisfaction is vital because it is linked to productivity, employee retention, and workplace morale. Since job satisfaction is subjective, survey research is often employed to get a sense of how workers perceive their jobs. The survey mentioned in the scenario sought to gauge job satisfaction levels but also highlighted that while most found their jobs interesting, only a slim majority were overall satisfied with their jobs—revealing a nuanced view of workplace contentment.