retrospective study

Definition of retrospective study

retrospective study (REH-troh-SPEK-tiv STUH-dee): A study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the disease or condition (controls). Researchers study the medical and lifestyle histories of the people in each group to learn what factors may be associated with the disease or condition. For example, one group may have been exposed to a particular substance that the other was not. Also called case-control study.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms