![]() ![]() Think of it in terms of taking a snapshot. The defining feature of a cross-sectional study is that it can compare different population groups at a single point in time. We would not influence non-walkers to take up that activity, or advise daily walkers to modify their behaviour. In our study, we would simply measure the cholesterol levels of daily walkers and non-walkers along with any other characteristics that might be of interest to us. This means that researchers record information about their subjects without manipulating the study environment. Cross-sectional studyīoth the cross-sectional and the longitudinal studies are observational studies. To make our choice, we need to know more about the benefits and purpose of each study type. The second requires a longitudinal study. The first approach is typical of a cross-sectional study. Do we want to compare cholesterol levels among different populations of walkers and non-walkers at the same point in time? Or, do we want to measure cholesterol levels in a single population of daily walkers over an extended period of time? ![]() One of the first things we’d have to determine is the type of study that will tell us the most about that relationship. ![]() Let’s say we want to investigate the relationship between daily walking and cholesterol levels in the body. In other words, knowing what kind of information the study should collect is a first step in determining how the study will be carried out (also known as the methodology). Study design depends greatly on the nature of the research question. ![]()
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