Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Research Methodology • Research Protocol • Mixed Methods

Case-Control Study

Term from Research Institutions industry explained for recruiters

A Case-Control Study is a research method where scientists compare people with a specific condition (like a disease) to people without it, looking back in time to understand what might have caused the condition. Think of it like being a detective who works backwards - starting with the outcome and investigating what led to it. This approach is especially valuable in medical and public health research because it helps identify risk factors for diseases and health conditions. It's different from other research methods because it's usually faster and less expensive, making it particularly useful when studying rare conditions or when immediate answers are needed.

Examples in Resumes

Designed and conducted a Case-Control Study examining risk factors for heart disease in urban populations

Led research team in implementing a major Case-Control Study investigating environmental exposure impacts

Analyzed data from multiple Case-Control Studies to identify patterns in disease occurrence

Typical job title: "Epidemiologists"

Also try searching for:

Research Scientist Epidemiologist Public Health Researcher Clinical Research Associate Health Data Analyst Medical Research Coordinator Biostatistician

Where to Find Epidemiologists

Professional Associations

Research Networks

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a case-control study to investigate a rare disease outbreak?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should mention selecting appropriate cases and controls, methods to prevent bias, sample size calculations, and strategies for data collection and analysis. They should also discuss potential challenges and solutions.

Q: What are the main considerations when matching cases and controls?

Expected Answer: The candidate should explain the importance of matching on key characteristics like age and gender, discuss the pros and cons of matching, and describe how over-matching can affect results.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main advantages and disadvantages of case-control studies?

Expected Answer: Should discuss benefits like cost-effectiveness and speed, and limitations like potential recall bias and difficulty establishing temporal relationships between exposure and outcome.

Q: How do you handle potential sources of bias in a case-control study?

Expected Answer: Should explain different types of bias (selection, recall, interviewer) and methods to minimize them through study design and data collection procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between a case and a control in this type of study?

Expected Answer: Should explain that cases are individuals who have the condition being studied, while controls are similar individuals who don't have the condition.

Q: How do you collect data in a case-control study?

Expected Answer: Should describe methods like questionnaires, medical record review, and interviews, emphasizing the importance of collecting the same information from both cases and controls.