One group of students who spent the weekend studying for the test got better scores than a group who spent the weekend camping. That statement could be the result of an experiment or a correlational study. To decide whether it was an experiment, we would have to know the answer to the following question:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Knowing whether the students were assigned to the study or camping groups or if they chose their activity themselves would help us determine whether the study is an experiment or a correlational study. If the groups were randomly assigned, then it would be an experiment as the researcher manipulated the variable (study vs. camping) and observed its effect on the dependent variable (test scores). However, if the students chose their own activity, it would be a correlational study, as the researcher only observed the relationship between the two variables without manipulating them.

One Group of Students Who Spent the Weekend Studying for the Test