Observational Studies

Research endeavors where investigators observe and analyze subjects in their natural settings, without intervening or manipulating variables.

 

Prospective Study:

A type of observational study where data collection begins after the study is initiated, and participants are followed over time.

 

Retrospective Study:

An observational study that looks back in time, utilizing existing data or historical records to analyze associations between variables.

 

Longitudinal Study:

A study design where participants are observed and data is collected over an extended period to identify trends, changes, or developments.

 

Cross-Sectional Study:

A study that captures data at a single point in time, offering a snapshot of a population’s characteristics or behaviors.

 

Cohort Study:

A type of observational study that follows a group (cohort) with shared characteristics over time to assess outcomes and potential influences.

 

Case-Control Study:

An observational study comparing individuals with a specific outcome (cases) to those without it (controls), aiming to identify potential causal factors.

 

Selection Bias:

Systematic errors introduced when the selection process of study participants is not random, leading to a skewed representation of the population.

 

Confounding Variable:

A factor that is related to both the exposure and outcome in a study, potentially distorting the observed association between them.

 

Ecological Fallacy:

Drawing incorrect inferences about individuals based on group-level data, overlooking individual variations within the group.

 

Observer Effect:

Changes in participant behavior due to the awareness of being observed, impacting the validity of study findings.

 

Incidence Rate:

The number of new cases of a particular condition within a defined population over a specified time period.

 

Prevalence Rate:

The proportion of a population that exhibits a particular condition at a specific point in time.