standard_description: Interpret multiplication as scaling (resizing), by:
- Explaining why multiplying a given number by a fraction greater than 1 results in a product greater than the given number (recognizing multiplication by whole numbers greater than 1 as a familiar case); explaining why multiplying a given number by a fraction less than 1 results in a product smaller than the given number; and relating the principle of fraction equivalence a/b = (n×a)/(n×b) to the effect of multiplying a/b by 1.
- Comparing the size of a product to the size of one factor on the basis of the size of the other factor, without performing the indicated multiplication.
problem_activity: Task
A student interested in comparing the effect of different types of music on short-term memory conducted the following study:  80 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups.  The first group was given five minutes to memorize a list of words while listening to rap music.  The second group was given the same task while listening to classical music.  The number of words correctly recalled by each individual was then measured, and the results for the two groups were compared.
Is this an experiment or an observational study?  Justify your answer.
In the context of this study, explain why it is important that the subjects were randomly assigned to the two experimental groups (rap music and classical music).


aligns: no