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Differentiate between observational studies, surveys, and experiments to determine which of the following questions could be answered by an observational study.(1 point) Responses What brand of kitty litter is preferred by cat owners? What brand of kitty litter is preferred by cat owners? What football team is favored by Texans? What football team is favored by Texans? What percentage of Rhode Island drivers use their phones while stopped at a red light? What percentage of Rhode Island drivers use their phones while stopped at a red light? What cat food is best for feline weight loss?

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To differentiate between observational studies, surveys, and experiments:

  • Observational Studies: Researchers observe subjects in a natural setting without manipulating any variables. They may collect data without influencing outcomes.

  • Surveys: Researchers ask participants questions to gather information on opinions, preferences, or behaviors. These can be administered in various forms, such as questionnaires or interviews.

  • Experiments: Researchers manipulate one or more variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships. This often involves control groups and random assignment.

Now, let's analyze which of the questions could be answered by an observational study:

  1. What brand of kitty litter is preferred by cat owners? - This could be answered by a survey.
  2. What football team is favored by Texans? - This could also be answered by a survey.
  3. What percentage of Rhode Island drivers use their phones while stopped at a red light? - While this could be part of an observational study (observing drivers), it is typically gathered via surveys or observational methods.
  4. What cat food is best for feline weight loss? - This requires an experiment to determine the effectiveness of different cat foods, rather than an observational study.

In summary, the question that could be addressed by an observational study (by observing behavior) is:

  • What percentage of Rhode Island drivers use their phones while stopped at a red light?