![]() Alternatively, if they're interested in learning about the impact of treatments on patients who have the illness, they may use a prospective study. If researchers are interested in learning about what caused the outbreak of an illness, they may use a retrospective study to investigate. The key difference between the two study types is their approach. Scientists can use either kind of study to learn about a particular subject. Prospective studies differ because they're future-oriented, meaning researchers use them to discover if an event will happen. ![]() ![]() Researchers use retrospective studies to analyze why something happened and to explain a recent event or discovery. The purpose of a retrospective study is typically to add to existing research and information or elaborate on a recent discovery. Related: What Is Evidence-Based Practice? Definition and Elements Use and purpose For a prospective study, the time frame for conducting a data analysis or making a conclusion may depend on the amount of data the researcher can collect and the execution of the research. ![]() A researcher may analyze the data in a retrospective study immediately if there's enough information readily available in documents and medical reports to lead to a conclusion. Data analysisĬonsidering that the data collection techniques for prospective and retrospective studies differ, the processes for data analysis are different as well. In a prospective study, there are likely no records of the incident of interest because it involves events that have not yet occurred. This allows the researchers to be present at the time of exposure and observe the impact of exposure firsthand. Researchers may also use resources that are already documented or published, including medical reports and magazine or newspaper articles.ĭata collection for a prospective study includes researchers performing the interviews and observation themselves. In a retrospective study, researchers investigate existing information regarding exposure factors and their impact. The primary difference between retrospective and prospective studies is data collection. While they're both types of cohort studies, there are several differences between the two which include: Data collection Observational Study: 5 Differences A prospective vs. Researchers typically use preexisting data to make new analyses and conclusions about the outcome of interest. They use this data to identify and create a cohort of people that were prone to the condition in question and study the subject's exposure status and medical outcome. Similar to a prospective study, researchers conducting this study are also interested in learning about participants' development of a particular medical condition. Related: Types of Studies (With Definitions, Examples, Advantages and Disadvantages) What is a retrospective study?Ī retrospective study is a research project that involves reviewing the results of exposure to and developments of medical incidents that have already occurred. Prospective studies are often longitudinal, meaning that researchers then follow up with participants or track their health over time to monitor whether they develop the medical condition in question. Researchers may also design studies, recruit participants and collect baseline exposure data before the research subjects develop the medical condition.įor example, researchers would carry out a prospective study to learn about how people that are susceptible to a particular virus might react to exposure, without them actually developing the virus. This means that researchers collect and analyze data with the goal of developing medical treatments or tracking the progression of a disease. This research involves a specific group of participants, or cohorts, who are prone or predisposed to the outcome of interest. Related: 10 Careers You Can Pursue in Medical Research What is a prospective study?Ī prospective study is a scientific investigation that researchers perform in order to learn more about a particular medical topic. retrospective study, what they are and the differences between them and their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we discuss a prospective vs. Understanding the approaches of these studies may help you determine which method to use. Researchers choose between prospective and retrospective studies depending on their budget, the prevalence of the medical condition and the availability of resources. Medical researchers may use cohort studies when learning about a potential outcome of interest, like the progression of a virus or the development of a treatment. ![]()
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