A veterinarian is interested in studying the causes of enteroliths (stones that form in the gut of horses). In order to establish a causal relationship between diet and enteroliths, the veterinarian needs to:
A)use a double-blind observational study.
B)use a nonrandomized experimental design in which the examining veterinarian is blinded to the diet the horse is fed.
C)use a comparative randomized experiment.
D)use a survey questionnaire that is to be administered to all horse owners entering the veterinary hospital.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best option would be to use a comparative randomized experiment, where horses are randomly assigned to different diets and the occurrence of enteroliths is measured. This allows for a causal relationship to be established as the variable being studied (diet) is being manipulated. The other options (double-blind observational study, nonrandomized experimental design, and survey questionnaire) do not manipulate the variable being studied and therefore cannot establish causality.

A Veterinarian Is Interested in Studying the Causes of Enteroliths