Cross-Sectional Ecologic

Key Characteristics  Collects individual-level data at one  Collects population-level data at one
period of time period of time
 Provides a snap-shot  Provides a snap-shot
 Uses aggregates of individual-level
factors (collective measures)
Unit of Analysis  Individuals  Groups

Pros  Often use pre-existing data  Often use pre-existing, routinely

o Cheaper and quicker collected data
 Useful for identifying disease burdens o Cheaper and quicker
in a given population  Can study many exposures
  Can study “contextual effects” on
health
Cons
Associated Biases
Sub-Types Ecologic Comparison Study
 Examines exposure rates and
disease rates among different
groups over the same time period
Ecologic Trend Study
  Examines changes in exposure
and disease within the same
aggregate unit
Descriptive Studies
1. Key Characteristics
- No advance hypothesis
- Often used to develop of hypothesis
- Associations may not be causal
2. Pros
- Often use pre-existing data
- Cheaper and quicker
- Useful for identifying disease burdens in given populations
3. Types (See Table 1.1)

Table 1.1: Descriptive Study Designs