Observational Study Essay

HIV is a virus that can be mainly spread by a person who has sex or share injection drug equipment such as needles. It is one of the most serious and deadliest diseases in the world. HIV destroys a type of cell in the body called lymphocyte, which is part of the immune system (the defense system that fights infection). When these cells destroy the immune system then becomes weak. According to a Canada’s source for HIV, “[If] HIV is left untreated your immune system becomes too damaged to defend against life-threatening infections and cancers.”(Par. 2). However, there is good news for patients who have the disease. HIV medicine is also called antiretroviral therapy, which can prevent the disease from growing and spreading. According to Centers
Observational studies draw inferences about the effect of an intervention on subjects, where the assignment of subjects to groups is observed rather manipulated by the investigator (Palliat). The study is “not manipulated” because the data is in a natural environment. In observational studies there are normally only two classes- variables for which control is attempted and the variable is neither controlled nor randomized ( Cochran). This type of research draws a conclusion by comparing subjects against a control group, in cases where the researcher has no control over the experiment, and one of the main reasons for performing this kind of research is due to ethical concerns. Observational studies can either involve naturalistic observation or laboratory observation. Whereas, naturalistic involves observing behaviors in a natural environment and laboratory involves observing behaviors in a research laboratory setting. According to the University College of London, observational studies are the key part of research and can also help to provide an understanding of how things work in clinical practice (Par. 6). This type of research observes an ongoing behavior and can last up to decades, but is also very helpful because it provides evidence for future
In observational study, the researcher basically observes a group of people without actually doing anything to the people. It also has to do more with the examination and use, than their existence, that separates the plan from analysis (Rosenbaum). In order to conduct an observational study the first step can be to include the framing of scientific questions to permit an empirical investigation. Next, will be the choice of a context in which to conduct the investigation, the decisions about what and where to collect the data. Finally, ask questions and collect data so that results will be decisive when analyzed