Questions: Determine whether the study is an observational study or an experiment. Explain. In a survey of U.S. employees, 42.4% of black women say they are uncomfortable sharing thoughts about racial inequality. The study is because it a treatment to the employees.

Solution Steps

To determine whether the study is an observational study or an experiment, we need to consider whether there is any manipulation or intervention applied to the subjects. An observational study involves observing subjects without interference, while an experiment involves applying a treatment or intervention to see its effects.

• Identify if there is any treatment or intervention applied to the subjects.
• If there is no treatment and the study involves merely observing or surveying subjects, it is an observational study.
• If there is a treatment applied to see its effects, it is an experiment.

In the given study, a survey was conducted among U.S. employees, specifically focusing on the responses of black women regarding their comfort level in sharing thoughts about racial inequality. The key aspect to determine is whether there was any treatment or intervention applied to the subjects.

Since the study involves merely surveying the employees without applying any treatment or intervention, it falls under the category of observational studies. Observational studies are characterized by the absence of manipulation of variables, focusing instead on collecting data through observation.

Final Answer