Questions: 43 Which of the following represents a limitation of observational studies? Select one: a. Small subject numbers b. Cannot establish cause and effect c. May not reflect real-world conditions d. Only capable of examining a limited number of variables at a time

43

Which of the following represents a limitation of observational studies?

Select one:
a. Small subject numbers
b. Cannot establish cause and effect
c. May not reflect real-world conditions
d. Only capable of examining a limited number of variables at a time

Transcript text: 43 Which of the following represents a limitation of observational studies? Select one: a. Small subject numbers b. Cannot establish cause and effect c. May not reflect real-world conditions d. Only capable of examining a limited number of variables at a time

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understand the question

The question asks about a limitation of observational studies. Observational studies are research methods where the researcher observes and records data without intervening or manipulating variables.

Step 2: Analyze the options

a. Small subject numbers: This is not a specific limitation of observational studies. Observational studies can have large or small subject numbers depending on the design.
b. Cannot establish cause and effect: This is a well-known limitation of observational studies. Since there is no manipulation of variables, it is difficult to determine causality.
c. May not reflect real-world conditions: This is not a specific limitation of observational studies. In fact, observational studies often aim to reflect real-world conditions.
d. Only capable of examining a limited number of variables at a time: This is not a specific limitation of observational studies. The number of variables examined depends on the study design, not the observational nature.

Step 3: Determine the correct answer

The most accurate limitation of observational studies is that they cannot establish cause and effect.