title: Prospective and retrospective research: considerations and questions.
abstract: We have outlined some of the reasons why retrospective research is generally considered inferior to prospective research and have explained some of the rationale for this view. Despite the problems, there are ethical and practical reasons for conducting retrospective research. Indeed, we have argued that there are times when retrospective research may produce more valid data. We hope that these ideas will contribute to ongoing discussions about oncology research designs.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta.
authors.forename: Priscilla M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Koop
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Strang
mesh_terms: D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies