A store surveys its target demographic and learns that 86% of people would purchase the product they’ve been heavily advertising. Is this an experiment or an observational study? Can they conclude their current advertising strategy caused the high percentage of interest?

• A. Experiment; yes
• B. Experiment; no
• C. Observational study; yes
• D. Observational study; no

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the difference between an experiment and an observational study. An experiment involves actively manipulating variables to observe their effects, while an observational study involves collecting data without influencing the subjects or variables.
2. Step 2: Analyze the scenario. The store surveyed its target demographic to gather data about their interest in purchasing the product. There is no indication that the store manipulated any variables or conducted a controlled experiment.
3. Step 3: Determine whether causation can be inferred. Observational studies can identify correlations but cannot establish causation because they do not control for confounding variables.
4. Step 4: Apply the concepts to the problem. Since the store only surveyed people without manipulating variables, this is an observational study. Additionally, they cannot conclude that their advertising strategy caused the high percentage of interest because causation requires experimental evidence.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'Observational study; no,' as the store conducted an observational study and cannot infer causation from the data collected.