A veterinarian is interested in studying the causes of enteroliths (stones that form in the gut of horses). An observational study comparing the diet of horses admitted to the veterinary hospital with enteroliths and the diet of horses admitted for other reasons does not allow causal conclusions to be drawn because:
A)an observational study can only establish correlations, unless the investigator is double blinded.
B)associations in observational studies can be confounded by lurking variables.
C)the study does not match horses.
D)All of the answer options are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Observational studies only identify correlations or associations and cannot establish causation. In this case, there may be other factors besides diet that influence the development of enteroliths in horses. These factors may not be measured or controlled in an observational study, leading to confounding variables that interfere with causation.

A Veterinarian Is Interested in Studying the Causes of Enteroliths