Answer :
Final answer:
Gilbert's study is an observational study, not an experiment, because it examines existing relationships without manipulating variables. Correlation between parental income and SAT scores doesn't imply causation due to potential lurking variables that might affect both factors. Therefore, simply asserting that income affects scores ignores other possible influences.
Explanation:
Understanding J. Gilbert's Research Design
Researcher J. Gilbert's study on the link between parental income and standardized test scores, such as the SAT, is an example of an observational study rather than an experiment. In an observational study, researchers examine relationships between variables without manipulating any of them. This contrasts with an experiment, where the researcher actively changes one or more variables to see the effect on an outcome.
a) Is This an Experiment?
No, it is not an experiment; it is an observational study. Gilbert aims to analyze existing data from a random sample of test takers rather than directly intervene in their lives or test conditions.
b) Why Can't We Conclude a Causal Relationship?
Even if a correlation is found between parental income and SAT scores, we cannot definitively conclude that differences in scores are caused by differences in parental income due to the possibility of lurking variables. These are hidden variables that might influence both the independent variable (parental income) and the dependent variable (SAT score). For instance, other factors such as educational opportunities, parental involvement, or socioeconomic status could also significantly impact a child's performance on standardized tests.
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