Epidemiologists use various methods to study disease states. These methods include:
- Observational Studies: These involve collecting data on disease occurrence and potential risk factors without manipulating the study environment. Examples include cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies. - Experimental Studies: These involve the deliberate alteration of a variable to study its effects. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a common type of experimental study. - Surveillance Systems: These systems track the incidence and prevalence of diseases in populations over time. They provide data that can be used to identify trends and outbreaks.
