A **quasi-experimental study** is commonly referred to as an **observational study** in data-driven decision making. Unlike true experiments, quasi-experimental studies do not involve random assignment of subjects to treatment and control groups. Instead, researchers observe outcomes in naturally occurring groups and attempt to draw conclusions about relationships between variables.
In observational studies, the researcher does not control the assignment of treatments. As a result, these studies are more susceptible to bias and confounding variables than randomized experiments. However, they are often necessary when controlled experimentation is impractical, unethical, or too costly. For example, studying the impact of policy changes or economic conditions typically relies on observational data.
Blind studies are a form of experimental design used to reduce bias, hypothesis testing is a statistical process rather than a study type, and content validity refers to measurement quality. None of these represent quasi-experimental designs.
In data-driven decision making, observational (quasi-experimental) studies are valuable for identifying associations and generating insights, but analysts must be cautious not to infer causality without proper controls. Therefore, the correct answer is **A**.
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