2. Using Surveys and Experimental Studies to Gather Data

Question 1

Importance Ratings

Answer 1

Ex:
very important - somewhat important - no opinion - somewhat unimportant - very unimportant

Used in studies to assess variables of interest (bus cleanliness, cost, safety, etc.) in conjunction with demographics and other info (ex. current bus use)

Question 2

Data Collection Process

Answer 2

1. Specify the objective of the study, survey, or experiment
2. Identify the variable(s) of interest
3. Choose an appropriate design for the survey or experimental study
4. Collect the data

Question 3

observational study

Answer 3

the researcher records information concerning the subjects under study without any interference with the process that is generating the information

(the researcher is a passive observer of the transpiring events)

Question 4

experimental study

Answer 4

the researcher actively manipulates certain variables associated with the study, called the explanatory variables, and then records their effects on the response variables associated with the experimental subjects.

Question 5

explanatory variable

Answer 5

the variable that is manipulated by the researcher

(also known as the independent or predictor variable, it explains variations in the response variable; in an experimental study, it is manipulated by the researcher)

Question 6

response variable

Answer 6

the focus of a question in a study or experiment

(also known as the dependent variable; ex. type of therapy given is an explanatory variable, survival time is response variable)

Question 7

confounding variables

Answer 7

variables other than the explanatory variables, which are not under the control of the researcher and may affect responses variables

(A severe limitation of observational studies, the effects of the confounding variables and the explanatory variables on the response variable cannot be separated due to the lack of control the researcher has over the physical setting in which the observations are made. In an experimental study, the researcher attempts to maintain control over all variables that may have an effect on the response variables.)

Question 8

comparative study

Answer 8

a type of observational study in which two or more methods of achieving a result are compared for effectiveness

ex. three types of healthcare delivery methods are compared based on cost effectiveness.

Question 9

descriptive study

Answer 9

a type of observational study in which the major purpose is to characterize a population or process based on certain attributes in that population or process

ex. studying the health status of children under the age of 5 years old in families without health insurance