Final answer:
The correct answer is 'C. population-based,' referring to experiments that use a representative sample from the population of interest, often in the form of field research or field experiments for more accurate insights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is C. population-based. These experiments are conducted on a representative sample of the population to gain insights that are generalizable to the larger group. When researchers want to understand the attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics of a large group of people, they conduct surveys with a subset known as a sample. A random sample ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being included, which helps in obtaining results that are representative of the population.
This type of experiment is often executed in the form of field research or field experiments where data is collected in a real-world setting without the controlled conditions of a lab. These studies can provide more natural and potentially more accurate insights as the participants' behaviors are observed in their usual environments, without any experimental intervention.