Are Ecological Studies Descriptive or Analytical?

Descriptive studies that examine populations, or groups, as the unit of observation are known as ecological studies. Ecological studies are particularly useful to conduct when individual-level data would either be difficult or impossible to collect, such as the effect of air pollution or of legislation.

What type of study is an ecological study?

An ecological study is an observational study defined by the level at which data are analysed, namely at the population or group level, rather than individual level. Ecological studies are often used to measure prevalence and incidence of disease, particularly when disease is rare.

Is ecologic study a descriptive study design?

Solely descriptive ecologic studies investigate disease or risk factor differences between communities at the same time, or within the same community over time.