Researchers wanted to determine if having a television (TV) in the bedroom is associated with obesity. The researchers administered a questionnaire to 350 twelve-year-old adolescents. After analyzing the results, the researchers determined that the body mass index of the adolescents who had a TV in their bedroom was significantly higher than that of the adolescents who did not have a TV in their bedroom. Complete parts (a) through (e).(a) Why is this an observational study? What type of observational study is this?Why is this an observational study?What type of observational study is this?(b) What is the response variable in the study? -What is the explanatory variable?(c) Can you think of any lurking variables that may affect the results of the study?d) In the report, the researchers stated, “These results remain significant after adjustment for socioeconomic status.” What does this mean?(e) Does a television in the bedroom cause a higher body mass index? Explain
(a) This is an observational study because the researchers are observing and analyzing data without any intervention or manipulation
(a) This is an observational study because the researchers are observing and analyzing data without any intervention or manipulation. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional observational study as it is conducted at a specific point in time.
(b) The response variable in this study is the body mass index (BMI) of the twelve-year-old adolescents. This variable is measured and analyzed to determine any association with having a TV in the bedroom. The explanatory variable is whether or not the adolescents have a TV in their bedroom.
(c) There may be several lurking variables that could affect the results of the study. Some potential lurking variables could include the dietary habits of the adolescents, physical activity levels, genetic predisposition to obesity, family history of obesity, availability of unhealthy snacks or beverages, or time spent watching TV outside the bedroom.
(d) When the researchers state that the results remain significant after adjustment for socioeconomic status, it means that they have taken into account the influence of socioeconomic status on the relationship between having a TV in the bedroom and BMI. It suggests that even after considering socioeconomic factors, the association between having a TV in the bedroom and higher BMI is still observed.
(e) Based on the information provided, we can say that there is an association between having a TV in the bedroom and a higher body mass index in this observational study. However, causation cannot be determined from an observational study alone. There may be other factors, known as confounding variables, that contribute to this association. To establish a causal relationship, further research, like a randomized controlled trial, would be necessary.
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