Synopsis:  This investigation helps students become more familiar with the epidemiological study designs, uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each, and realize the circumstances under which each design is "best."  In order to do so, students rank order the four basic epidemiological study designs according to different characteristics, such as the speed with which a study design can be implemented, its expense, and the accuracy of the data.

All students will develop problem-solving, decision-making, and inquiry skills, reflected by formulating usable questions and hypotheses, planning experiments, conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.

All students will understand and apply the knowledge of sounds, letters, and words in written English to become independent and fluent readers, and will read a variety of materials and texts with fluency and comprehension.

All students will speak in clear, concise, organized language that varies in content and form for different audiences and purposes.

All students will listen actively to information from a variety of sources in a variety of situations.

All students will access, view, evaluate, and respond to print, nonprint, and electronic texts and resources.

All students will demonstrate critical life skills in order to be functional members of society.