Abstract
This article follows the simple classification of study designs proposed by Neil Pearce a few years ago (Pearce, 2012). International Journal of Epidemiology on the basis of similar proposals by Greenland and Morgenstern (1988) and Morgenstern and Thomas (1993). In this classification, the directionality of the study (prospective/retrospective or from the exposure to outcome or vice versa) is not used. We have only four designs: Incidence studies, Incidence case-control studies, Prevalence studies, and Prevalence case-control studies. Of course, there are some developments of this classification due to different strategies in selecting controls or when exposures and outcomes are expressed using continuous variables. The indications and limits of each design are discussed using hypothetical examples of respiratory epidemiological studies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
