Final answer:
The two main types of analytical studies are observational and experimental. Observational studies have subtypes, like cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Experimental studies manipulate variables to establish cause and effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Analytical (Explanatory) Studies
The two main types of analytical ('explanatory') studies are observational and experimental. Observational studies involve monitoring subjects without influencing their behavior or the environment. This type of study can further be classified into three categories: cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies, each with its own pros and cons. On the other hand, experimental studies involve deliberate manipulation of variables to observe the effects on subjects, allowing researchers to test causal relationships between variables.
Observational studies can reveal patterns and associations, including in fields such as human biology, but they are limited when it comes to establishing causality. This is because they do not include the intervention that characterizes an experimental study. Common methods of observational research, such as surveys and archival research, often involve large samples that can give a broad overview but might lack depth. Experimental studies, in contrast, provide stronger evidence for cause-and-effect relationships.