Question

A study compared paired daytime and nighttime counts of electric eel, peacock eel, and black spotted eel made by the same divers in seven lakes during June
2015. Overall, they counted 126 eels during the day and 291 eels at night. The researchers speculate that eels counted at night were present during the
daytime, but were hidden from view. Biologists should consider that eel behavior and susceptibility to being seen might vary a great deal between daytime and
nighttime, even during the summer. In some lakes, the majority of eels may not be seen during the daytime. Determine whether the study is an observational
study or an experiment. Justify your answer with specific references to the information in the study.

Experimental study, because the divers are catching eels for a sample

Observational study, because the divers are watching the eels only during the day

Experimental study, because the divers are watching the eels during the day and night

Observational study, because the divers are not catching eels for a sample

Unable to determine whether this is an observational study or experiment

Answer 1

I would say this study is observational-- if it was experimental, they would be doing something with the eels (like feeding them peanut butter to see if it makes them faster, or something like that). I would choose "Observational study, because the divers are not catching eels for a sample."