Section 2: Discussion Questions

1. What makes both of these studies experimental?

2. What type of information might the investigator collect in these two studies to see if the treatment (e.g. new teaching method or herbal supplement) is effective?

3. Can the researcher establish cause and effect in either or both of these two studies?

4. What would happen if the researcher allowed the students to study together or talk about the different methods that were being used to teach the math lesson? Would this be a good or a bad idea? How would this influence the study results?

5. What if the fitness instructor allowed participants to take other herbal supplements in addition to the supplements being tested? Would this be a good or a bad idea? How would this influence the study results?