Two Types of Epidemiological Studies - - Analytical & Descriptive
descriptive studies - - use existing data that is routinely collected
-Look for disease trends in populations
-Case reports & series
Once a hypothesis is made, it should be tested with _____________ studies. - -
analytical
analytical studies - - hypothesis-driven
Look for an association b/w exposure/risk factor
-test an intervention
What 4 things determine your study design? - - 1. Hypothesis
2. Type of study
3. Independent Variable
4. Dependent Variable
What are the 2 types of analytical studies? - - 1. experimental = RTC
2. observational = case-control; cohort studies; ecologic; cross-sectional
, Observational Study - - a study based on data in which no manipulation of factors
has been employed
What are the 3 types of cohort studies? - - Prospective
Retrospective
Ambidirectional
What differentiates the type of cohort studies? - - Timing
Exposure (1995) -> Study Begins (1996) -> Outcome is Measured (1996 - 2006) - -
Prospective
Exposure (1995) -> Outcome Occurs (1996 - 2006) -> Study Begins; Exposure and outcome
are measured (2007) - - Retrospective
Exposure (1995) -> Outcome Occurs (1996 - 2000) -> Study Begins; Exposure and outcome
are measured (2000) -> Outcomes continue to be measured (2000 to 2006) - -
Ambidirectional
Ambidirectional Cohort Study - - A cohort study that has both prospective and
retrospective components.
What is considered the best observational study? - - Cohort study
Experimental Studies - - • Best for gaining knowledge about preventing or treating
disease