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XLIII. The architecture of cross‐sectional research (conclusion)
Author(s) -
Feinstein Alvan R.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1002/cpt1978234481
Subject(s) - cross sectional study , architecture , etiology , cohort , medicine , psychology , pathology , geography , archaeology
The previous essay 8 of this series was concerned with the ‘anatomy’ and ‘physiology’ of the architecture used in cross‐sectional research. Cross‐sectional structures can serve either as direct descriptions of the characteristics found in groups of patients, or as surrogates for the longitudinal (cohort) structures needed to investigate the etiology, pathogenesis, or outcome effects of diverse diseases. The descriptive and surrogate functions of crosssectional architecture allow abundant opportunity for the development of many forms of scientific ‘pathology’, which will be discussed in the current essay. The discussion will also include suggestions for the prevention and treatment of the scientific ‘lesions’.