Ecological study

Pronunciation

EE-kuh-LAH-jih-kul STUH-dee

Definition

A study that compares large groups of people instead of individuals for differences in things such as cancer rates.

Purpose

The purpose of the ecological studies is to to understand risk-modifying factors on health or other outcomes.

Features

The groups can differ by location (such as, city, county, or country). They can also differ by time (such as a few days, years, or decades). Groups can be immigrants or people with different types of jobs.

SEER program

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program conducts ecological studies to collect information on cancer rates over time in certain parts of the United States.

Other names

Also called ecologic study.

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