Sally is interested in studying the effects of maternal exposure to pollution on infant health. She would like to examine whether exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is linked to an increase in infant health problems. Which is the best option for the study design that should Sally use, and why?
A) Sally should use an experimental design because it will allow her to make causal claims about pollution and infant health.
B) Sally should use an experimental design because it is a more rigorous method than a nonexperimental design.
C) Sally should use a nonexperimental design because it is unethical to use an experimental design in this case.
D) Sally should use a nonexperimental design because it is less artificial than an experimental design in this case.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this case, it would be unethical to use an experimental design where Sally would have to intentionally expose pregnant women to air pollution, which could harm both the mother and the baby. Therefore, a nonexperimental design, such as an observational study, would be more appropriate. Sally could use medical records to collect data on pregnant women who were and were not exposed to pollution and then compare the health outcomes of their infants.

Sally Is Interested in Studying the Effects of Maternal Exposure