Question

Read the brief report of some statistical research below, and

a) explain why it is an experiment rather than an observational study
Antibiotics are commonly using to treat sinus infections. Alternatively, a sterold solution can be sprayed into the nose.
In a trial, 240 patients with a sinus infection were assigned to the treatments as follows:
b) the factor(s) in the experiment and the number of levels for each
c) the number of treatments
d) the response variable(s) measured
e) whether it was blind or double-blind
f) the nature and scope of the conclusion the experiment can reach

Answer 1

a) This is an experiment rather than an observational study because patients were actively assigned to specific treatments, indicating a manipulation of variables.

b) The factor in the experiment is the treatment type, with two levels: antibiotics and a steroid solution.

c) There are two treatments in the experiment: antibiotics and a steroid solution.

d) The response variable measured is the effectiveness of the treatment in treating sinus infections.

e) The information provided does not specify whether the experiment was blind or double-blind.

f) The experiment can conclude the comparative effectiveness of antibiotics and a steroid solution in treating sinus infections among the 240 patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) The study is an experiment because the researchers actively assigned patients to different treatments, indicating manipulation of variables. In an observational study, the researchers would only observe and record data without intervening or assigning treatments.

b) The factor in this experiment is the type of treatment, with two levels: antibiotics and a steroid solution. The patients are assigned to one of these two treatment groups.

c) There are two treatments in this experiment: antibiotics and a steroid solution. Each patient is assigned to one of these treatments, making it a two-treatment experiment.

d) The response variable measured is the effectiveness of the treatment in treating sinus infections. This could be assessed through various measures such as symptom relief, recovery time, or other relevant metrics.

e) The information provided does not specify whether the experiment was blind or double-blind. A blind study means the participants are unaware of the treatment they receive, while a double-blind study also involves keeping the researchers unaware of the treatment assignments to minimize bias.

f) The experiment can conclude the comparative effectiveness of antibiotics and a steroid solution in treating sinus infections among the 240 patients.