Can data derived from an ecological study accurately yield a ...

[APUS57]

Can data derived from an ecological study accurately yield a final conclusion that consumption (or lack thereof) of a specific nutrient can lead to the development of a given disease? Why or why not?

Question 2

Define confounding factors. List possible confounding factors in an epidemiological study.

[amanda_14]

Answer to Question 1

No; the data from an ecological study cannot be used to draw these conclusions as the dietary data obtained are based on population food disappearance data and are therefore not particularly specific.

Answer to Question 2

Confounding factors are hidden factors or characteristics that are distributed differently in the study and control groups and may cause an association that the researchers attribute to other factors. Possible confounding factors include: age, gender, race, ethnicity, and dietary or lifestyle factors.

[APUS57]

Thanks

[amanda_14]

Welcome