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

May 8th 2024

measures of intelligence

a series of norm-referenced tests used to determine an individual’s ability to learn, reason, understand concepts, and acquire knowledge. See EEG measures of intelligence; ERP measures of intelligence; fMRI measures of intelligence. See also assessment of intelligence.