The selection of a study design is usually a critical part of the research process because it will determine the quality of research and validity of the results (Frieden, 2017). There exist four main categories of control studies namely; cohort (group) studies, qualitative, randomized controlled trials, and case-control studies (Frieden, 2017). This essay aims to compare and contrast cohort study and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) study designs as a component of epidemiological techniques of research.
The Key Difference Between a Cohort Study and Randomized Controlled Trials Study Designs
The main difference is the aspect of using randomization when dividing patients into a particular group (Frieden, 2017). Randomized controlled trials utilize a randomized technique to allocate participants to various groups of treatment. In cohort studies, participants are divided naturally into groups without a clear technique of controlling who experiences particular treatment and who gets excluded (Frieden, 2017). The randomization factor in Cohort study designs makes it a more accurate and reliable research design.
Pros and Cons of Cohort Study Design
A cohort study design is associated with two main advantages which include; eliminating bias by an interviewer and providing the ability to study more than one exposure from several outcomes (Seeram, 2019). Cohort study designs are associated with one main disadvantage which is the high cost of requirements of the study (Seeram, 2019). The study design is effective but the process involved is quite tiresome due to the long follow-up periods involved.
Characteristics of a Correlational Study
A correlational study is a kind of research in which the researcher studies two factors, evaluates, and comprehends the statistical connection between the two factors without influencing any of the factors (Seeram, 2019). It is characterized by the fact that the study does not require conducting any experiment. This ensures minimal involvement of the researcher to ensure that he/she does not manipulate any of the factors.
Significance of Position of Cohort Study at Research Pyramid
The Cohort study research design is found at the base of the research pyramid (Dembek et al., 2020). This section is mainly for research designs with unfiltered data like Cohort study designs and the evidence collected is not as summarized as research study designs found in Levels 1 and 2 (Dembek et al., 2020). This allows the researcher to study a wide range of information which is very critical when studying clinical questions.
References
Dembek, K., Sivasubramaniam, N., & Chmielewski, D. A. (2020). A systematic review of the bottom/base of the pyramid literature: Cumulative evidence and future directions.Journal of Business Ethics, 165(3), 365-382. Web.
Frieden, T. R. (2017). Evidence for health decision making – Beyond randomized, controlled trials.New England Journal of Medicine, 377(5), 465-475. Web.
Seeram, E. (2019). An overview of correlational research. Radiologic Technology, 91(2), 176-179.