Question

question
a biologist is interested in finding the relationship between the growth rate of sunflowers and the amount of sunlight the are exposed to. would an experimental or observational study design be more appropriate?

select the correct answer below:

○ an experimental study should be used with the growth rate of the sunflowers as the controlled factor.
○ an observational study should be used because the amount of sunlight cannot be controlled.
○ an experimental study should be used with the amount of sunlight as the controlled factor.
○ an observational study should be used because the growth rate cannot be controlled.

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Explanation:

To test the relationship between sunlight and sunflower growth rate, researchers can control the amount of sunlight (the independent variable) by manipulating exposure levels for different sunflower groups. This is the core of an experimental study, where the independent variable is controlled to measure its effect on the dependent variable (growth rate). The other options are incorrect: growth rate is the measured outcome, not a controlled factor; sunlight can be controlled in a study setting; and growth rate is the variable being observed, not the reason for choosing observational study.

Answer:

An experimental study should be used with the amount of sunlight as the controlled factor.