Epidemiology and Research Methods Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of epidemiology?

The main focus of epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in populations.

What are the goals of epidemiological research?

The goals include describing adverse health outcomes, explaining disease patterns and causes, and preventing disease.

Who is considered a pioneer in the field of epidemiology during the cholera outbreak?

John Snow is considered a pioneer due to his work on the Broad Street Cholera Outbreak in the 1850s.

Describe one type of study design used in epidemiological research.

One type of study design is a case-control study, which compares participants with a disease to those without to identify potential risk factors. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant shift in the focus of epidemiology in the 20th century?

Epidemiology shifted its focus from infectious diseases to chronic diseases and environmental risk factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does psychiatric epidemiology study?

Psychiatric epidemiology studies the prevalence, distribution, and causes of mental disorders at the population level. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories of epidemiological research?

The two main categories are exploratory (descriptive) and causal research. Signup and view all the answers

In epidemiological research, what does 'prognostic' refer to?

'Prognostic' refers to identifying individuals who are likely to develop a disease in the future. Signup and view all the answers

What is one psychological cause of depression in children?

Childhood trauma can lead to depression in children. Signup and view all the answers

Define prevalence in the context of epidemiology.

Prevalence is the proportion of a population that currently has a disease or outcome. Signup and view all the answers

How does incidence differ from prevalence?

Incidence refers to the frequency of new cases over a specific period, while prevalence measures existing cases at a given time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a target population in research?

The target population defines the entire group a researcher aims to make inferences about. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of probability sampling?

Probability sampling involves random selection, giving each member of the population a known chance of inclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term 'sample' in research.

A sample is a group of people selected from the target population for analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What does a high odds ratio indicate in a study?

A high odds ratio suggests a strong association between exposure and the outcome. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of hypotheses in the research process.

Hypotheses propose a testable statement based on observed phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key assumption regarding the incidence proportion?

It assumes a closed population where no subject has the disease at the start. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one non-probability sampling method.

Convenience sampling selects participants based on their availability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'risk ratio' compare?

The risk ratio compares the incidence of an outcome in exposed versus unexposed groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Measures of Disease Contrast'?

They allow comparison of prevalence or incidence between exposed and unexposed groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why is childhood trauma considered a significant factor in mental health?

Childhood trauma is linked to an increased risk of mental disorders in adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of epidemiology focuses on psychiatric outcomes?

Psychiatric epidemiology studies the prevalence and incidence of mental disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of incidence rates in epidemiology?

Incidence rates measure the occurrence of new cases over a specified time period. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epidemiology Fundamentals

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in populations.
Epidemiological research aims to describe adverse health outcomes (when, where, among whom), explain disease patterns and causes (temporal, sub-populations, disparities), and predict/diagnose those with a disease, prognosticate likelihood of disease, and identify causal factors for disease prevention.

Research Process

The research process involves observation, theory building, hypothesis formation, empirical testing (data collection and analysis), and inference drawing conclusions.
This process includes both inductive (from observation to theory) and deductive (from theory to observation) approaches.

Populations & Samples

Target population is the entire population under investigation.
Sampling frame is a subset of the target population that is eligible for the study.
Study sample is the group of participants who are ultimately selected and included in the study.

Types of Sampling

Probability sampling methods include simple random, stratified, and cluster sampling, which use random selection methods, ensuring each population member has a known probability of inclusion.
Non-probability sampling does not use random selection. Methods include quota sampling, self-selection, and convenience sampling.

Measures of Occurrence and Contrast

Measures of occurrence include counts, incidence, and prevalence.
Measures of contrast compare occurrence rates between groups and include risk/prevalence differences, ratios, odds ratios, incidence rates, survival rates, and time-to-event measures.

Prevalence

Prevalence is the proportion of a population that has a specific characteristic (disease) at a particular time.
It is a snapshot of the disease burden in a population.
Prevalence measures are typically cross-sectional and over a period of time.

Incidence

Incidence is the rate at which new cases of a disease occur in a defined population over a period of time.
Incidence measures track new cases among those at risk.

Study Designs

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Experimental studies where treatments are randomly assigned to participants.
Cohort Studies: Observational studies where researchers follow a group of people over time to assess the relationship between exposures and outcomes.
Case-Control Studies: Observational studies where researchers compare individuals with a disease (cases) to those without (controls) to identify potential exposures associated with the disease.
Cross-sectional Studies: Observational studies that measure both exposures and outcomes at a single point in time. Cannot establish causation.

Systematic Error (Bias)

Confounding: A systematic error where a third variable influencing both the exposure and outcome distorts the true association between the exposure and the outcome.
Selection Bias: A systematic error in the selection of participants or groups that leads to biased results. It includes Berkson's bias, healthy worker effect, self-selection bias, survival bias, and loss-to-follow-up.
Information Bias: A systematic error in the measurement of exposures, outcomes or confounders. It can lead to over- or underestimation of the association for example recall bias and interviewer bias.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the fundamentals of epidemiology and the research process. This quiz covers key concepts such as disease distribution, sampling methods, and the various approaches to research. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding in these crucial areas of public health.