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Types of Medical Research Studies

Medical research studies offer valuable contributions to the advancement of science and society. They help to improve human health by investigating ways to prevent and treat disease, as well as identifying causes of disease transmission. There are several types of studies used in medical research that differ according to investigative methods, the purpose of the study and the nature of the research subject.

  1. Basic Research

    • Basic research, also called experimental research, approaches medicine from a lab perspective and includes animal studies, cell studies and genetic investigations. Basic research is used to better understand the biological, chemical and genetic components of health and how the human body functions. Basic research also includes studies of the analytic procedure itself, and how to improve strategies for data collection, testing and evaluation.

    Clinical Research

    • Clinical research, also known as a clinical trial, is a type of medical study that uses human subjects as participants to investigate a new treatment, device, drug or therapy. Clinical research can be either intervention-based or observational. In an intervention study, participants are assigned to a certain treatment and investigators measure the outcome, whereas in observational studies, participants are only monitored. In clinical research, investigators follow defined ethical and legal protocol for protecting the rights and well-being of research subjects.

    Epidemiological Research

    • Epidemiological studies investigate the distribution of a disease or health condition across a population. This type of study examines the history of a disease, its frequency and the population-based patterns of which groups or areas are most affected. Epidemiological studies provide researchers with information on how diseases are caused and transmitted, and help to identify points for prevention and control. This research design is also helpful for policy-makers interested in health assessment, as it demonstrates how disease prevalence is connected to certain social and economic conditions.

    Quality of Life Research

    • Quality of life research has emerged as a field of greater importance with the increasing numbers of people living with chronic illness, such as cancer and cardiac problems. Quality of life research examines how individuals with chronic illnesses manage their health problems and daily life needs. Areas of research for this type of study include emotional health, economic security, social support and sexual functioning.

    Prevention Research

    • Prevention studies do not follow a particular research methodology, but rather examine how behavioral practices can prevent health problems from developing or recurring. Prevention research includes examinations of how certain vitamins and minerals can offset disease, and how regular screening can protect against late-stage cancers. Behavioral interventions account for a large part of prevention research, and are studies that explore how lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and smoking cessation, can improve and protect health.

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