Chapter 6.5, Problem 14PS

Solution

To explain: whether the research topic is best addressed through an experiment or an observational study then explain the design of the experiment or observational study.

The study is observational.

The conclusions may not be legitimate since the groups of flowers are not controlled and other possible affecting variables should be observed.

Given information:

The given statement is “You want to know if flowers sprayed twice a day with a mist of water stay fresh longer than flowers that are not sprayed”.

Concept Used:

Experiment study:

It imposes a treatment on individuals in order to collect data on their response to the treatment. The treatment may be medical or any action that might affect a variable in the experiment, such as adding methanol to gasoline and then measuring its effect on fuel efficiency.

Observational study:

It observes individuals and measures variables without controlling the individuals or their environment.

Calculation:

Since there is no certain treatment applied to any of the flowers, Hence the study is an observational study.

From the described study, it cannot be concluded whether a certain group of flowers are fresh. Through the study, only the physical condition of the flowers is registered.

Consider two groups of flowers. Spray a mist of water on one of the groups twice a day and leave the remaining group without watering.

Even though one of the groups of flowers is sprayed with a mist of water, there are other factors that could affect the freshness of the flowers.

One of the factors could be the effect of sunlight on the flowers and the surrounding conditions.

Other variables may also affect the study’s conclusions. Hence the conclusion may not be legitimate.