RCTs, cohorts, case-control — which study design answers which question. A rapid, high-yield review of research study design for medical students and exam candidates.
In this episode: • RCT — gold standard for interventions • Cohort — exposed vs unexposed over time • Case-control — disease → look back at exposure • Cross-sectional — snapshot at one time • Meta-analysis — pools studies for power • Double-blinding — neither side knows group • IRB — approves + monitors research ethics
