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What is the fundamental difference between a correlational study and an experiment?

A) A correlational study aims to establish relationships between variables without manipulating them, while an experiment involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

B) A correlational study involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships, while an experiment aims to identify relationships between variables without manipulating them.

C) Both a correlational study and an experiment involve manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

D) Neither a correlational study nor an experiment involves examining relationships between variables.

User ShaneC
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Final answer:

The fundamental difference between a correlational study and an experiment is that a correlational study aims to establish relationships between variables without manipulating them, while an experiment involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fundamental difference between a correlational study and an experiment is that a correlational study aims to establish relationships between variables without manipulating them, while an experiment involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships. In a correlational study, researchers measure the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables using a correlation coefficient, represented by 'r'. However, correlation does not indicate causation. On the other hand, experiments manipulate variables and use a control group to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

User Yawmoght
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