Epiville

Quizzes

Quiz 1, Module Ecological

1. Based on the facts presented, which of the following would be the most appropriate hypothesis to investigate using an ecological study?

  1. Residents of Epiville are at a higher risk of developing Susser Syndrome than residents of the neighboring towns.
  2. Employees of the Porks-A-Lot pig farm have a greater risk of developing Susser Syndrome than the general population of Epiville.
  3. The population served by the Rothman Reservoir has a higher incidence proportion of Susser Syndrome than does the population served by the Greenland Reservoir.
  4. Those diagnosed with Susser Syndrome will have greater odds of being a Porks-A-Lot employee than those without Susser Syndrome.
Answer (a) — incorrect: We do not have data for the neighboring towns to compare with that of Epiville. This hypothesis is too broad.
Answer (b) — incorrect: This hypothesis is more characteristic of a cohort study. We do not have the necessary data to test it
Answer (c) — correct: Ecological studies involve comparison and analysis at the population or group level. In our study, we have chosen to hypothesize that the Rothman Reservoir population will have a higher incidence proportion of Susser Syndrome than the Greenland Reservoir. (Note: The alternative would also be an appropriate hypothesis to test).
Answer (d) — incorrect: This hypothesis is more appropriate for a case-control study