Question

 

Does wine consumption lead to better health? In adults, moderate use of alcohol is associated with better health. Some studies suggest that drinking wine rather than beer or spirits yields added health benefits.

(a) Explain the difference between an observational study and an experiment to compare people who drink wine with people who drink beer.

(b) Suggest some characteristics of wine drinkers that might benefit their health. In an observational study, these characteristics are mixed up with the effects of drinking wine on people's health.

Answer 1

(a) in case of an observational study, one should just observe and report the Heath of people who drink wine and those who drink bear. On the other hand, while conducting an experiment for the same hypothesis, one must ensure that the subjects under consideration have similar living conditions, hygiene, diet, surroundings, etc. before noting the health status of both wine and beer drinkers.

(b) one very important characteristic of a wine drinker is his/her societal/financial status. Wine is a much expensive drink than beer, hence affordable only to the elite. This would mean that wine drinkers stay is clean , sofisticated environment and eat good, health, quality food. They might as well be used to a yoga or gym regime to keep themselves fit. The best of health counsellors and facilities would be availaS to them. Hence it is highly likely that the benefits observed are due to these factors rather than an effect of wine consumption per se.