A team of researchers wants to determine whether fasting until noon speeds up weight loss. Which of the following study designs would be best suited to this goal?

Question

Option #1: a survey

Option #2: an experiment

Option #3: an observational study

Answer 1

To determine whether fasting until noon speeds up weight loss, the best-suited study design is:

Option #2: an experiment

An experiment allows researchers to establish a cause-and-effect relationship by randomly assigning participants to different groups (e.g., one group that fasts until noon and another control group that does not) and then measuring the outcomes (weight loss) over a set period. This design helps control for confounding variables and provides stronger evidence regarding the effects of fasting on weight loss compared to surveys or observational studies.