57. Which question would be appropriate for an observational study?
Answer: C
What is the brightest star that can be seen from Earth?
This question is appropriate for an observational study as it involves directly observing celestial objects and determining their brightness without manipulating any variables.
A) Which type of glass best resists scratching?
This question is not suitable for an observational study because it implies a need for experimental testing to compare the scratching resistance of various types of glass. It requires controlled conditions to accurately assess the properties of the materials, which falls outside the scope of merely observing existing phenomena.
B) Which type of rock dissolves fastest when exposed to acid rain?
Similar to Option A, this question is inappropriate for an observational study as it suggests a comparison of dissolution rates under controlled conditions. This would necessitate experimental manipulation and measurement rather than simple observation, making it unsuitable for the observational study format.
C) What is the brightest star that can be seen from Earth?
This question is well-suited for an observational study because it allows for the direct observation of stars and their brightness in the night sky. Observers can gather data based on visual assessments without needing to manipulate any variables, making this a fitting choice for the methodology in question.
D) How does the mass of a toy car affect how fast it rolls down a track?
This question is not appropriate for an observational study since it involves an experimental setup where the mass of the toy car is manipulated to observe the effects on speed. This requires controlled conditions and measurements, aligning more with experimental research rather than observational study principles.
Conclusion
The question regarding the brightest star visible from Earth is definitively appropriate for an observational study, as it involves collecting data through direct observation without any manipulation of variables. In contrast, the other options require experimental methods to ascertain their answers, thus failing to meet the criteria for observational research.