Which of the following is an example of a natural experiment?
A) A laboratory research on the effectiveness of solar power as an alternative source of fuel
B) A research on the effectiveness of a new medicine among some voluntary participants
C) A research on the effect of air pollution on lung disorders by observing the health conditions of people who stay close to industrial areas and those who stay away from industries
D) A study on the benefits of regular exercise by paying for the membership fees at fitness clubs for one-half of the participants

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A natural experiment involves observing natural variations in variables of interest in order to draw conclusions about their effects, rather than manipulating these variables. Option C involves observing the naturally occurring difference in lung disorders among people living in areas with different levels of air pollution, making it a natural experiment. The other options involve some form of manipulation or voluntary participation, making them experimental studies rather than natural experiments.

Which of the Following Is an Example of a Natural