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Types of Study Designs
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT): A study in which people are allocated at random to receive one of several clinical interventions. One of these interventions is the standard of comparison or control. Because the outcomes are measured, RCTs are quantitative studies.
Cohort Study: A longitudinal study that samples a cohort (a group of people who share a defining characteristic) performing a cross-section at intervals through time.
Case-Control Study: A study in which patients already have a specific condition or outcome are compared to people who do not. Researchers look back in time to identify possible exposures. Often rely on medical records and patient recall for data collection.
Survey Study: A study utilizing survey methodology to collecting information or data as reported by the individuals in question. Can be used to identify relationships between opinion and outcomes.
Cross-Sectional Study: A study which is the observation of a defined population at a single point in time or during a specific interval to examine associations between the outcomes and exposure to interventions. Exposure and outcome are determined simultaneously.
Longitudinal Study: Follows subjects over a period of time with repeated monitoring of risk factors or health outcomes. Researchers conduct several observations of the same subjects over a period of time, sometimes lasting many years.
Before and After Study: A study in which observations are made both before and after the implementation of an intervention, across both a control and intervention group.
Case Study: Descriptive study that consists of the collection of reports on treatment of patients or on the report of a single patient.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]