Question

A study is conducted to investigate whether customer satisfaction is greater among computer companies that offer tech support versus those that do not offer tech support. A random sample of 50 customers are selected from among those that purchased computers that offer tech support. A separate random sample of 40 customers are selected from among those that purchased computers that do not offer tech support.

Which of the following is the best description of this study?
a. An experiment using a completely randomized design
b. An experiment using a randomized block design
c. An experiment using a matched pairs design.
d. An observational study using a simple random sample.
e. An observational study using a stratified sample.

Answer 1

e. An observational study using a stratified sample.

Explanation:

The case above is not an experiment because no treatment is being imposed upon the customers. An experiment involves the introduction of treatments on subjects and studying its effect. Also, the observational study involves using stratified stratified samples which involves selecting samples from two distinct groups with different characteristics.