observational studies

Observational studies are research methods where scientists watch and collect data on people's behaviors, conditions, or outcomes without intervening or changing anything. These studies help identify patterns or relationships, like how lifestyle choices might affect health. Unlike experiments, where researchers manipulate variables to test a hypothesis, observational studies simply observe and report what is naturally happening. While they can suggest correlations, they can't definitively prove cause-and-effect relationships, as other factors may be involved. They're valuable for generating insights and guiding future research.