Question

Matching is not required in which epidemiological study?

• A. Case control study
• B. Cohort study
• C. Case report
• D. Randomized control trial

Hint:

Matching balances two groups, so a study with only a single patient needs none.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Matching is a technique used to make two comparison groups similar for all characteristics except the exposure or factor being studied, so as to reduce confounding and bias.

Step 2: A case report is a detailed account of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a single patient, usually describing an unusual or novel occurrence. Because it deals with only one case and has no comparison group, there is nothing to match. So matching is not required, and option c is correct.

Step 3: Case control studies, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials all compare two groups. To keep the groups comparable and limit bias, they must be matched for the relevant characteristics other than the one under study.

Step 4: Since only the case report lacks a comparison group, matching is not required only in a case report.