Observational Study

Definition

An observational study is a research method where researchers observe subjects without intervening or manipulating any variables. They collect data by watching subjects' behaviors or characteristics.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a park, observing people playing different sports. You simply watch and record their actions without interfering or changing anything about the games they are playing.

Related terms

Experimental Study: This term refers to a research method where researchers manipulate variables and control conditions to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

Cross-sectional Study: This term refers to a study that collects data from a population at a specific point in time to understand characteristics or behaviors.

Longitudinal Study: This term refers to a study that follows subjects over an extended period of time, collecting data at multiple points, to observe changes or trends.