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Category: Observational

What are key principles of observational studies?


Key Points

  • An observational study is the most common type of study in health research.
  • In an observational study, the researcher does not make any intervention, they only observe the participants’ exposure and outcomes in natural situations.
  • Observational study is the choice of study in medical science when there is an ethical issues in Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT).


Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos

  • Observational Studies
    • A 5-minute video from the Health Research Group that clarifies the different kinds of observational studies. Useful for beginner researchers as it focused on basic concepts of observational studies.
  • Understanding Observational Research
    • A very short, two-minute introduction from the National Pharmaceutical Council that provides comprehensive understanding and importance of observational studies from an expert.

Online Courses

  • Introduction to Observational Studies
    • A series of videos on statistical models and measures, including those used for observational research, are available with free access through this program from Bristol University.


Relevant Publications



What are cohort studies and why are they important?


Key Points

  • Cohort studies are a type of longitudinal study in which a group of people with a common characteristic is followed over a time period to investigate predictive risk factors and health outcomes.
  • A cohort study investigates the incidence of disease in exposed and unexposed groups with the risk factors.
  • A cohort study is the most reliable type of observational study.


Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

  • What are Cohort Studies?
    • Describe basic concepts of cohort studies including strengths and limitations.
  • Cohort Studies
    • Overview of cohort study designs with various examples of prospective and retrospective cohort studies.
  • Cohort Studies
    • This University of North Carolina Gillins School of Global Public Health ‘ERIC Notebook’ introduces statistical analysis methods for cohort studies with various examples.

Videos


Online Courses

  • Cohort Studies
    • A series of videos are available (free access) through this program on different types of research methods and statistics.


Relevant Publications



What are cross-sectional studies and why are they important?


Key Points

  • Cross-sectional studies take place at a single point in time; researchers assess exposure and health outcomes at the same time.
  • Cross-sectional studies are conducted to determine the prevalence of diseases in the given time.
  • Cross-sectional studies are comparatively cheaper and less time-consuming.


Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Online Courses

  • Cross-sectional Studies
    • In this Coursera course, presented by faculty from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, the Week 3 content reviews study designs, and compares cross-sectional study design with other observational study designs, and includes examples.
    • As with other Coursera courses, an account is required, but the content is free. If you would like to have a certificate of completion, there may be a small fee.
  • Cross-sectional Studies
    • A series of videos are available (free access) through this program on different types of research methods and statistics.


Relevant Publications



What are case-control studies and why are they important?


Key Points

  • A case-control study is a type of observational study. Observational studies do not involve any intervention or action to change the course of the illness. 
  • Case-control studies are designed to understand if a certain exposure (for example tobacco) is associated with developing a disease or condition (such as lung cancer).
  • Study participants are selected based on whether they have the disease or condition of interest.  If they do have the disease or condition, they are called cases.  If they do not have the disease or condition, they are called controls


Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos



Relevant Publications



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