Question

In Stop Sign Behavior study, a researcher categorized 3 behaviors: full stop, partial stop, and no stop. She recorded how many cars stopped and noted the time of day and the presence or absence of a cop, crossing guard, or pedestrian. This study allowed us to describe stop sign behavior but was unable to help us predict the behavior in the future. Based on this description, this study was most likely a/an ___________ study.

a) Correlational
b) Ethnographic
c) Experimental
d) Observational

Answer 1

The study described is an observational study, as it involves noting and categorizing behaviors without manipulating variables, aiming only to describe the natural occurrence of different behaviors at a stop sign.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option is D:

Based on the provided information, the study in which a researcher categorizes and records car behaviors at a stop sign is most likely an observational study. Observational studies are a type of nonexperimental scientific investigation where researchers measure characteristics within a sample without attempting to manipulate or control the variables of interest.

In the context of the stop sign behavior study, the researcher observed and noted down the occurrence of three distinct behaviors - full stop, partial stop, and no stop - alongside environmental factors such as the time of the day, and whether a cop, crossing guard, or pedestrian was present. Such a study is focused on describing the behavior without modifying the setting to create controlled conditions that would allow for prediction or identification of cause-and-effect relationships. This approach characterizes an observational study, which is in contrast to experimental studies where the researcher would change the environment to determine the effects on behavior.