Observational Study
Observational Study
An observational study can be used to describe many designs that are not randomized trials (e.g., cohort or case-control studies that have a goal of establishing causation, studies of prognosis, studies of diagnostic tests, and qualitative studies). The term is most often used in the context of cohort and case-control studies in which patient or caregiver preference, or happenstance, determines whether a person is exposed to an intervention or putative harmful agent or behavior (in contrast to the exposure being under the control of the investigator as in a randomized trial).
Synonyms:
Observational Study Design