Problem
Lace tested the effectiveness of alternative types of messages in encouraging the elderly to come forward for a flu vaccination. All members of a senior citizens' center in a middle-sized community (a total of 504 elderly men and women) were sent a letter advising them that a flu epidemic was anticipated and that the elderly were especially likely to benefit from an immunization. Half the members were sent a letter stressing the benefits of getting a flu shot (the benefit letter group). The other half were sent a letter stressing the potential dangers of not getting a flu shot (the danger letter group). To avoid any biases, a lottery-type system was used to determine who got which letter. Both letters advised the elders that free immunizations would be available at a community health clinic over a 1-week period and that free transportation would be made available to them. Rates of coming forward for a flu shot among the two groups of elders were monitored to assess whether one approach of encouragement was more persuasive than the other. It was found that a higher percentage of elderly in the "benefit letter" group obtained a flu shot than was true for elders in the "danger letter" group.
a) Is this study an example of translation research? with rational.
b) Is one of the purposes of this study likely to be explanation? with rational.