Types Of Studies Flashcards
Cross sectional survey
A study that examines the relationship between diseases (or other health-related characteristics) and other variables of interest as they exist in a defined population at one particular time (ie exposure and outcomes are both measured at the same time). Best for quantifying the prevalence of a disease or risk factor, and for quantifying the accuracy of a diagnostic test
Ecological studies
Ecological studies consider where and when diseases are occurring in populations. The presence / absence of specific risk factors is not related to individuals with or without disease, but rather to populations. Ecological studies are often considered to be weak study types as they cannot prove anything, however they are used to raise questions for further research
