Final answer:
The most appropriate study design for an outbreak of an acute infectious disease is observational study in the field of epidemiology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate study design for an outbreak of an acute infectious disease would be analytical epidemiology, specifically an observational study. This type of study compares groups of individuals to establish associations between an agent and a disease state. In the case of the epidemiologist studying the spread of the common cold among college students, he can design an observational study by collecting data on the temperature of dorm rooms and the incidence of new infections. By analyzing this data, he can determine if there is any correlation between room temperature and the spread of the common cold.
If the epidemiologist chooses to use surveys in his measurements, he should include questions about the temperature of the dorm room, frequency of contact with infected individuals, personal hygiene habits, vaccination status, and any other relevant factors that may contribute to the spread of the common cold.