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Learning Goal

Part of: Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies1 of 4 cluster items

Distinguish surveys, experiments, and observational studies

HSS.IC.B.3

**HSS.IC.B.3**: Recognize the purposes of and differences among sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies; explain how randomization relates to each.

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HSS.IC.B.3: Recognize the purposes of and differences among sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies; explain how randomization relates to each.

What you'll learn

  1. Define and distinguish a sample survey, an observational study, and a randomized experiment by their purpose and structure
  2. Identify the explanatory and response variables and the treatment/control structure in a described study
  3. Explain the two distinct roles of randomization: random selection (for generalizing to a population) and random assignment (for establishing cause and effect)
  4. Explain why an observational study can show association but not causation, using the idea of a confounding (lurking) variable
  5. Given a study scenario, classify it and state what kind of conclusion -- generalization, causation, both, or neither -- it can support