Question

A researcher wants to better understand the health benefits of eating vegetables. In a study he finds 300 adults aged 45-60 who eat at least 3 servings of vegetables a day on average. He finds another 200 adults who eat less than 3 servings of vegetables a day on average. The researcher looks at rates of cancer and heart disease in each group and compares both groups. In another study, the researcher finds 500 adults aged 45-60 who eat less than 3 servings of vegetables a day on average, and are willing to participate in a study. The researcher randomly assigns 250 of these adults to a diet which includes 4 servings of vegetables a day. The other 250 continue their usual habits. After 4 years, the rates of cancer and heart disease between the two groups are compared

Identify the statement that correctly states the reason for considering the first study as an observational study and second study as an experiment.
a. In the first study, the treatment is not imposed on the subjects, whereas in the second study the treatment is imposed on the subjects.
b. In the first study, the treatment is not imposed on every subject, whereas in the second study the treatment is imposed on every subject.
c. In the first study, the subjects were not randomly chosen, whereas in the second study the subjects were randomly assigned.

Answer 1

a. In first study, the treatment is not imposed on the subjects, whereas in the second study the treatment is imposed on subjects.

Explanation:

In the first study, observation are made on 300 adults who eat 3 servings of vegetables a day on average. The second study has further intensified the research which imposed treatment on the subjects. The random samples of adults are observed in both studies.