Stats #32b: Statistical Evidence: Apples or Oranges? Observational studies.

Content: This one hour training class will give you a general introduction in how to interpret research publications that are based on observational studies. There are four major types of observational studies: cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and historical controls studies. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these types of studies. In this presentation, you will apply these skills to actual published research.

Objectives: In this class, you will learn how to:

• contrast the selection process in a cohort design with a case-control design;
• describe the limitations of a case-control design for evaluating a diagnostic test; and
• appraise the extent of temporal bias in the historical-controls design.

Teaching strategies: Didactic lectures and small group exercises.

IRB Education Credits:  This class qualifies for 1 IRB Education Credit (IRBEC).

Notes: This class is an abbreviated version of Stats #32 with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of randomized studies. The talk requires no mathematical background and uses no formulas.

Web pages included in this handout:

• Abstract
• Where can you find this handout?
• Why don't I use PowerPoint?
• Apples or oranges. How do you insure a fair comparison?
• Apples or oranges. Observational studies.
• Practice exercises