observational study

An observational study is a type of research where scientists watch and record behaviors or outcomes without intervening or altering anything. For example, they might study how people eat and exercise in their daily lives to see how these habits affect health. The goal is to gather insights based on real-life situations rather than conducting experiments. Although it can show patterns and associations, it doesn't prove cause and effect since other factors may influence the outcomes. Observational studies are valuable for generating hypotheses and understanding complex behaviors in natural settings.