Final answer:
When either 'no association' or 'an association' is observed between exposure and disease in a study, certain questions must be asked. If no association is observed, it suggests that there is no relationship between the risk factor and the outcome. If an association is observed, it indicates that there is a potential relationship between the risk factor and the outcome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potential study results interpretations depend on the observed association between exposure and disease. If no association is observed, it suggests that there is no relationship between the risk factor (exposure) and the outcome (disease). On the other hand, if an association is observed, it indicates that there is a potential relationship between the risk factor and the outcome. When either 'no association' or 'an association' is observed in a study, certain questions must be asked:
- No association: Is the sample size large enough to detect an association if it truly exists? Are there any limitations or confounding factors that could explain the lack of association?
- An association: Is the observed association statistically significant? Are there any alternative explanations for the observed association? What are the potential mechanisms by which the risk factor could lead to the outcome?