Norton B J, Strube M J
Applied Kinesiology Laboratory, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO 63110.
Phys Ther. 1988 Sep;68(9):1374-7. doi: 10.1093/ptj/68.9.1374.
This article contrasts the true experimental approach with nonexperimental alternatives, such as retrospective designs, for research on treatment efficacy. The potential problems and limitations of the nonexperimental approach are highlighted so that when deviations from the more desirable experimental methodology are necessary, they can be undertaken with full knowledge of the hazards to be expected. Important issues are illustrated through discussion of a specific type of retrospective design, the case-control design.
本文将真正的实验方法与非实验性替代方法（如回顾性设计）进行对比，以研究治疗效果。文中强调了非实验性方法潜在的问题和局限性，以便在必要偏离更理想的实验方法时，能够充分认识到预期的风险。通过讨论一种特定类型的回顾性设计——病例对照设计，来说明重要问题。
