retrospective cohort study

A retrospective cohort study is a research method where scientists look back at existing data to compare two groups: one exposed to a specific factor or treatment, and one not. They analyze past records to see how many people in each group developed a particular outcome or condition. This approach helps determine if the exposure is linked to the outcome. Since it uses already collected information, it’s quicker and less expensive than prospective studies, but can be limited by the quality and completeness of the historical data.