A researcher wanted to engage in the best possible research design to

A researcher wanted to engage in the best possible research design to obtain reliable information about the possible cause(s) of a disease. Which of the following designs would the researcher choose?

a. Cross-sectional study
b. Descriptive study
c. Prospective study
d. Retrospective study

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: C
The most advantageous research design, because it obtains more reliable information and can more easily establish a stronger temporal relationship between presumed causal factors and their effects, is a longitudinal cohort prospective study. A cross-sectional study examines relationships between potential causal factors and disease at a specific time. A descriptive study focuses on the amount and distribution of health and health problems within a population. A prospective study monitors a group of disease-free individuals to determine if and when disease occurs. A retrospective study compares individuals with a particular condition or disease with those who do not have the disease.