Conducting a retrospective study involves several key steps:
1. Defining the Research Question: Clearly articulate the hypothesis or research question. For example, "Does tobacco smoking increase the risk of lung cancer?" 2. Data Collection: Gather data from existing medical records, cancer registries, or databases. Ensure the data is relevant and comprehensive. 3. Data Analysis: Use statistical methods to analyze the data, looking for associations between exposures (e.g., smoking) and outcomes (e.g., lung cancer incidence). 4. Interpretation of Results: Draw conclusions based on the analysis, considering potential biases and confounding factors.
