Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 73%

Which question would be appropriate for an observational study?

Rationale

What is the brightest star that can be seen from Earth?

This question is suitable for an observational study because it can be answered by directly observing the night sky and identifying stars without the need for experimental manipulation. Such a study relies on gathering data through observation rather than controlled experimentation.

A (How does the mass of a toy car affect how fast it rolls down a track?) YOUR ANSWER

This question suggests a cause-and-effect relationship that requires experimentation to determine the impact of mass on speed. It involves manipulating the mass of the toy car and measuring its effect on speed, making it unsuitable for an observational study.

B (Which type of glass best resists scratching?) YOUR ANSWER

While this question could involve observational aspects, it typically requires a comparative study where different types of glass are tested under controlled conditions to measure scratch resistance. This experimental design is not aligned with the observational study framework.

C (Which type of rock dissolves fastest when exposed to acid rain?) YOUR ANSWER

This question also implies experimental investigation, as it requires measuring the rate of dissolution of different rocks in a controlled environment. Such tests necessitate manipulation and measurement, thus falling outside the scope of observational studies.

Conclusion

Observational studies focus on gathering data through direct observation without manipulation. Among the options provided, identifying the brightest star visible from Earth is an observational question that can be answered through simple visual assessment. In contrast, the other choices require experimental setups to explore relationships or effects, which are not characteristic of observational studies.

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