Which type of study involves randomly selecting subjects from a defined population, collecting baseline information regarding potential risk factors for the disease of interest, and then following the subjects over a period of time to track the incidence of the disease?
A) A cross-sectional survey
B) A case-control study
C) An incidence rate
D) A prospective cohort study

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A prospective cohort study involves randomly selecting a group of individuals from a defined population and collecting baseline data on potential risk factors for a disease of interest. The individuals are then followed over a period of time to track the incidence of the disease. This type of study allows for the determination of cause-and-effect relationships between risk factors and disease outcomes. Choice A, a cross-sectional survey, only collects data at one point in time and does not follow individuals over time. Choice B, a case-control study, involves comparing individuals who have a disease to those who do not and looking back to determine potential risk factors, but does not involve following individuals over time. Choice C, an incidence rate, is a measure of the number of new cases of a disease in a defined population over a specified time period, but does not involve collecting data on risk factors or following individuals over time.

Which Type of Study Involves Randomly Selecting Subjects from a Defined