OPEN-ENDED QUESTION What is a major difference about how an observational study is different from making observations while using the scientific method? Typeyourenough

## Step 1<br />The first step in understanding the difference between an observational study and using the scientific method is to define each term. An observational study is a type of research where the researcher observes and measures characteristics of interest without manipulating the study environment. This means that the researcher does not intervene or change any variables in the study.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />On the other hand, the scientific method is a systematic process used in science to explore observations, ask questions, and seek answers. It involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments to test the hypothesis, and then drawing conclusions based on the results.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The key difference between these two approaches is the level of control the researcher has over the variables. In an observational study, the researcher does not manipulate any variables and simply observes the natural course of events. This means that the researcher does not have control over the variables and cannot determine cause and effect relationships.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />In contrast, in the scientific method, the researcher manipulates one or more variables to see how they affect the outcome. This allows the researcher to determine cause and effect relationships.