alleryStart learning →What distinguishes an analytic epidemiologic study from a purely descriptive one?
AIt uses a valid comparison group
BIt uses a much larger sample of people
CIt reports rates instead of raw counts
DIt always requires a laboratory test
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. It uses a valid comparison group
1. Descriptive epidemiology characterises cases by time, place and person, and generates hypotheses.
2. Testing those hypotheses needs something to compare the cases against.
3. The hallmark of an analytic study is therefore a valid comparison group, such as people who did not fall ill.
4. Sample size, the use of rates and laboratory testing all appear in descriptive work too, so none of them marks the difference.
_Source: CDC Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, 3rd Edition, section Analytic Studies_
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