Researchers Sally Tracy and associates undertook a cross-sectional study looking at the method of delivery and cost of delivery for first-time "low risk" mothers under three delivery scenarios:
(1) Caseload midwifery
(2) Standard hospital care
(3) Private obstetric care
The results of the study revealed that 58.5% of all births with midwifery were vaginal deliveries compared with 48.2% of standard hospital births and 30.8% of private obstetric care. In addition, the costs of delivery from midwifery was $3903.78 compared with $5279.23 for standard hospital care and $5413.69 for private obstetric care.
(a) Why is this a cross-sectional observational study?
(b) Name the explanatory variable in the study.
(c) Name the two response variables in the study and determine whether each is qualitative or quantitative.