Observational study

Definition

An observational study is a research method where investigators observe subjects without intervening or manipulating the study environment. It aims to identify associations between variables, particularly in understanding disease patterns and causes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Observational studies are commonly used in epidemiology to track infectious diseases.
2. They can be classified into cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies.
3. Unlike experimental studies, observational studies do not involve random assignment of subjects.
4. The main goal is to gather data on exposures and outcomes as they naturally occur among populations.
5. Bias and confounding factors can affect the validity of observational study results.

Review Questions

• What is the primary difference between an observational study and an experimental study?
• Name two types of observational studies used in tracking infectious diseases.
• Why are bias and confounding important considerations in observational studies?

Related terms

Cohort Study: A type of observational study where a group sharing a common characteristic is followed over time.

Case-Control Study: A type of observational study that compares individuals with a disease to those without to identify risk factors.

Cross-Sectional Study: An observational study that analyzes data from a population at one specific point in time.