Final answer:
The distinction between correlational and experimental studies is critical as they provide different types of information and have different ethical considerations. While correlational studies reveal relationships between variables, experimental ones can establish cause and effect relationships, and are subject to experimental manipulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Making a distinction between correlational study and a experimental one is crucial for the process of scientific inquiry. A correlational study, as the name suggests, explores the correlation or relationship between two variables. However, this relationship does not imply causation. In simple terms, just because two things are related does not mean that one causes the other. For instance, the ice cream sales might increase at the same time crime rates do, but buying ice cream does not cause criminal activity. A third factor, such as temperature, could be influencing both.
An experimental study, on the other hand, can establish causation. It greatly reduces the potential impacts of confounding variables by using control groups and experimental manipulations. Therefore, the difference between the groups can be attributed to the experimental manipulation with a much higher degree of certainty. These study types also have distinct ethical considerations and limitations.
In situations where it might be unethical or impossible to manipulate the variables under study directly, researchers might choose correlational studies, observational studies or surveys. Therefore, understanding the nature and implications of both correlational studies and experimental ones enables the development of sound research strategies and appropriate interpretation of findings.
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