retrospective research

observational, nonexperimental research that tries to explain the present in terms of past events; that is, research that starts with the present and follows participants backward in time. For example, an investigator may select a group of individuals who exhibit a particular problematic symptom and then study them to determine if they had been exposed to a risk factor of interest. Also called retrospective study. Compare prospective research.

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Psychology term of the day

January 13th 2025

Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)

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