Describe whether the following study would most likely be “observational” or “experimental”, and why it would be so.
* Mystery shoppers monitor the preferences at a shopping mall
The researcher isn't doing anything but watching the shoppers?
Yes....so it would be observational correct?
Right.
Thank you.
The study of mystery shoppers monitoring the preferences at a shopping mall would most likely be classified as an "observational" study.
Observational studies involve the collection and analysis of data without any intervention or manipulation of variables by the researcher. In this case, the mystery shoppers are simply observing and monitoring the preferences of shoppers at a shopping mall.
In an observational study, the researchers do not actively control or manipulate any variables. They simply observe and record data to understand patterns or relationships that exist naturally.
In the case of mystery shoppers, they may be tasked with observing and recording various aspects such as consumer behavior, shopping habits, and preferences of shoppers in the mall. They may collect data on things like the number of people visiting different stores, the amount of time spent in each store, the types of products purchased, and any other relevant information. This data can then be analyzed to gain insights into consumer preferences and behavior.
Overall, the study would be considered observational because the researchers are only observing and monitoring data without any direct intervention or control over the variables being studied.