a researcher considers two methods for collec...

a researcher considers two methods for collecting data to determine if store - brand laundry detergents work as well as name - brand detergents. method 1: the researcher surveys shoppers as they enter a grocery store. the shoppers are asked which type of detergent they use and then rate the cleanliness of their laundry on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the cleanest). the ratings of the name - brand detergents are compared to the ratings of the store - brand detergent. method 2: the researcher creates 10 loads of soiled fabrics and washes 5 of the loads with name - brand detergent and the other 5 with store - brand detergent. volunteers are asked to assess the cleanliness of the fabrics using a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the cleanest), and the ratings of the name - brand detergents are compared to the ratings of the store - brand detergent. which method describes an observational study? method 2 is an observational study because volunteers assess the fabrics. method 1 is an observational study because many people can be surveyed. method 1 is an observational study because no attempt is made to influence results. both methods are observational studies because information on both types of detergent can be collected.

Answer

# Answer: Method 1 is an observational study because no attempt is made to influence results. # Brief Explanations: In an observational study, researchers observe and collect data without interfering or manipulating variables. Method 1 just surveys shoppers about their existing usage and ratings without any intervention. Method 2 involves an experiment as the researcher creates loads and assigns detergents, which is not observational.