Natural experiments occur when researchers observe the effects of a naturally occurring event or situation that resembles a controlled experiment. Unlike traditional experiments, where variables are manipulated, natural experiments take advantage of real-world circumstances to study their impact on specific outcomes. For example, a sudden policy change or a natural disaster can provide insights into how these events affect communities or behaviors. These studies are valuable because they can reveal causal relationships without the ethical or practical challenges of conducting a controlled experiment. Researchers often analyze data from government policies, environmental changes, or public health crises to understand their effects on populations.