Epidemiologist rely on a set of standard study designs to understand the distribution of 'diseases' and what factors are associated with the presence or absence of disease. Ultimately, the goal is to identify the 'causes' of disease in order to prevent the disease in the future. In modern epidemiology, disease is defined broadly, and can range from infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, HIV), chronic diseases (e.g., heart attack, stroke, diabetes), injuries (e.g., car accidents, homicide), or even social conditions (e.g., poverty). Exposures too may be defined as anything proposed as a potential cause (or correlate) of the disease. For this exercise, briefly outline a hypothetical study to investigate a potential exposure/disease relationship. You may draw on your own experience or choose a topic that is of interest to you. After choosing a topic to study, select an appropriate study design from the list below. Cross-sectional study Cohort study Case-control study Ecological study Randomized trial The following questions will guide you in presenting your research topic and study design to a general reader. Assume your audience has a basic scientific background but do not assume any detailed knowledge of the topic.

Epidemiologist rely on a set of standard study designs to understand the distribution of 'diseases' and what factors are associated with the presence or absence of disease. Ultimately, the goal is to identify the 'causes' of disease in order to prevent the disease in the future. In modern epidemiology, disease is defined broadly, and can range from infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, HIV), chronic diseases (e.g., heart attack, stroke, diabetes), injuries (e.g., car accidents, homicide), or even social conditions (e.g., poverty). Exposures too may be defined as anything proposed as a potential cause (or correlate) of the disease. For this exercise, briefly outline a hypothetical study to investigate a potential exposure/disease relationship. You may draw on your own experience or choose a topic that is of interest to you. After choosing a topic to study, select an appropriate study design from the list below.

• Cross-sectional study
• Cohort study
• Case-control study
• Ecological study
• Randomized trial

The following questions will guide you in presenting your research topic and study design to a general reader. Assume your audience has a basic scientific background but do not assume any detailed knowledge of the topic.