Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Mathematics Practice Exam

Which of the following is true regarding experimental studies?

1. They do not manipulate variables

2. They often include control and treatment groups

3. They only observe existent behavioral changes

4. They cannot determine cause-effect relationships

The correct answer is: They often include control and treatment groups

In experimental studies, researchers actively manipulate one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable. This manipulation is foundational to distinguishing between the control group and the treatment group. The control group does not receive the experimental treatment, while the treatment group does. By comparing outcomes between these groups, researchers can infer causal relationships. This setup allows for the examination of the direct impact of the manipulated variable, making it a powerful method for establishing effects that are attributable to specific interventions. This ability to differentiate the effects of the treatment versus control conditions is what enables experimental studies to provide insights into cause-and-effect relationships, unlike purely observational studies that simply record behaviors without intervention or manipulation.