retrospective cohort study

research that compares outcomes for groups of individuals who differ on a single identified characteristic that occurred in the past. For example, a researcher studying exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke might use existing survey data to divide a sample into groups or cohorts based on reported exposure in their childhood homes (no smoking, one person smoked, more than one person smoked) before examining current health problems. Because the research relies on reports of past occurrences, inaccuracies may arise due to poor recall. See also retrospective research.

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Psychology term of the day

October 10th 2024

military stress factors

circumstances that potentially affect the number of military personnel that become stress casualties, including the nature of the operation in which they are involved; the intensity of the conflict, the number of battle casualties occurring, and the size, cohesion, and leadership of the unit in which they are serving.