Question

In your OWN words, provide numbered responses to the following questions regarding Module 4 content.

Pickett KE, Kelly S, Brunner E, et al. published an ecological study in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health in 2005 titled Wider income gaps, wider waistbands? An ecological study of obesity and income inequality. According to the methods section of the study aggregate data was collected from the populations of 21 countries worldwide on income inequality and three outcomes: the proportion of males and females who were obese, diabetes morality rate, and calorie intake. Then statistical methods were used to measure the associations between income inequality and each outcome. The following conclusion was stated in the abstract of the article "Obesity, diabetes mortality, and calorie consumption were associated with income inequality in developed countries."

In your own words explain why this ecological study is an analytical study. Use evidence from the information provided above to support your reasoning.
Why is this study considered an ecological study design? (Hint: It is not related to whether the study is descriptive or analytic)
What is an ecological fallacy?
What would the ecological fallacy be for this study?

Answer 1

This ecological study uses statistical methods to analyze the relationships between income inequality and obesity, diabetes mortality, and calorie intake. It is considered an analytical study at a population or group level, but does not establish cause and effect relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

This ecological study is considered an analytical study because it uses statistical methods to measure associations between income inequality and various outcomes. It collects aggregate data from populations of 21 countries and analyzes the relationships between income inequality and obesity, diabetes mortality, and calorie intake.

An ecological study is a type of observational study that examines the relationships between variables at a population or group level. It does not focus on individual-level data or establish cause and effect relationships.

An ecological fallacy occurs when conclusions are drawn about individuals based on group-level data. In the case of this study, the ecological fallacy would be assuming that the relationships observed between income inequality and the outcomes apply to individuals within those countries.