observational study

Introduction

A study that draws conclusions on the effects of factors or treatments by observing a group of subjects over a period of time.

Notes

• the hierachy of evidence for observational studies is:
  • case series < case control study < cohort study < meta-analysis of cohort studies

* see level of evidence for ranking of reliability of scientific investigations

More general terms

• scientific investigation/study; clinical investigation/study

More specific terms

• case series
• case-control study
• cohort study
• cross-over study
• cross-sectional population study
• longitudinal population study
• meta-analysis
• Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF)