Final answer:
Experiments are the best study to establish causality, but observational studies are done when experiments are not feasible or ethical. Observational studies do not have controlled environments or use blinding to minimize bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
Observational studies and experiments have distinct characteristics and advantages. To establish causality, experiments are the best study to use because they involve manipulating variables and controlling extraneous factors. However, it is not always possible, practical, or ethical to conduct experiments, which is why observational studies are often done. Observational studies do not manipulate variables and are cheaper and easier to conduct, allowing for larger sample sizes. They can provide valuable insights, but they cannot establish causation.
An important feature of experiments is blinding, which helps minimize bias in results. Blinding can be used for both the researchers and participants to prevent their expectations from influencing the results. Observational studies do not have controlled environments like experiments and therefore do not use blinding.