Based on the example of measuring traffic fatalities involving cell phone use, define what makes this study 'non-experimental' and state which two of the three goals of science can be fulfilled using this observational research approach.
Question: Based on the example of measuring traffic fatalities involving cell phone use, define what makes this study 'non-experimental' and state which two of the three goals of science can be fulfilled using this observational research approach.
Sample answer: This study is non-experimental because the researchers do not actively manipulate whether drivers use cell phones and instead merely record naturally occurring data. This observational approach allows researchers to fulfill two goals of science: describing patterns and making predictions about traffic accidents. However, it cannot fulfill the third goal of explaining cause-and-effect relationships because no variable was manipulated.
Key points:
- The study lacks active manipulation of driver cell phone use.
- Researchers record naturally occurring data rather than controlling conditions.
- Fulfills the goal of describing patterns in the data.
- Fulfills the goal of making predictions about traffic accidents.
- Does not fulfill the goal of explaining causal relationships.
Rubric: The response must state that the study is non-experimental because there is no active manipulation of cell phone use, only recording of naturally occurring data. It must also identify the two scientific goals fulfilled as description (describing patterns) and prediction (making predictions), while noting that explanation (causal conclusion) cannot be achieved.
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Suppose a government official reviews the traffic fatality observational data and concludes: 'Since cell phone use was recorded in numerous fatal crashes last year, we have proven that cell phone use causes these fatalities.' Apply your knowledge of research designs to critique the validity of the official's causal claim.