Ecological Research: Strengths And Weaknesses

A variety of studies can be utilized in the attempt to determine both causal and contributing factors regarding risk factors. Out of the multiple typologies surrounding the concept for research, one observational variety to consider is ecological. As with all methods of measurement, ecological studies have been shown to have both strengths and weaknesses. However, when considering the substantial strong correlations that have been found when using this method, whether it be those regarding diet in concern with alzheimer 's or diet and cancer, the potential for this type of research is made clearer. In order to fully comprehend the possibility of success and failure when using this research method, one must reflect on the strengths, weaknesses, …show more content…
Apart from this, researchers can observe many different types of populations, all differing in size. The difference in sizes utilized can be seen from small communities to large countries (ssw). From the data collected, trends then can be considered in association with a risk factor and its influence on population health. These benefits are especially noticeable if it is easier to quantify the exposure at a population level, rather than just at the extent of an individual. Furthermore, it can even help when examining programs that have been put into place to combat the risk factor (iarc). As with all methods of research, ecological does not vary greatly in a sense that it still has weaknesses. One of the main weaknesses of this type of research is known as ecological fallacy. This is the idea that one cannot merely attribute the information determined to be true when concerning a whole population to the level of the individual. Moreover, it is difficult to determine intricate exposure-outcome relationships (ssw). One must be willing to consider easier exposures to measure in order to garner conclusions regarding associations. It must also be taken into account that ecological research utilizes proxy measures and thus leads to weak conclusions (au). That is why this method should be utilized not to form conclusions, but instead in the fabrication of viable …show more content…
Ecological studies have found a great consistency between diet in countries and the rate of this debilitating disease. Meats, sweets and dairy products that are high in fat appear to be contributing to this rise. When comparing the United States’s western diet to other countries with a mediterranean diet, the risk is reduced by about half. When a country has a very low consumption of meat products, such as India, Nigeria and Japan, the difference is even more staggering (americancollege). Ecological studies could be utilized to examine data before and after the same country moves towards a more Westernized diet or could be used to to find the link between dietary regimes and alzheimer 's disease in multiple countries. However, as previously stated, there are downsides in this form of research and, thus, possible considerations regarding the factuality of the data. For example, when diagnosing alzheimer 's disease in different countries, the clinical means to detect the illness can be different and, therefore, interfere with the finalized data found via this particular research method. Also, the researcher should consider the racial makeup of countries and how they compare to others. In one case, race was not considered, leading to an idea that it is not important in determining susceptibility to alzheimer 's disease. Further information has now concluded that when