Answer:
Final answer:
A cohort study is considered the observational equivalent of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) because both study designs aim to assess causal relationships. However, there are important differences between the two.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cohort study is considered the observational equivalent of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) because both study designs aim to assess the causal relationship between an exposure and an outcome. However, there are some important differences between the two.
In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to different groups: the experimental group, which receives the intervention or treatment being tested, and the control group, which does not receive the intervention. This random assignment helps minimize bias and allows for comparison between the two groups.
On the other hand, a cohort study involves following a group of individuals over time and comparing their outcomes based on their exposure status. Participants are not randomly assigned to different groups like in an RCT, and the exposure has already occurred naturally. While cohort studies can provide valuable information about the association between an exposure and outcome, they are more prone to bias and confounding than RCTs.