What is the objective of a "case control study"?

The objective of a case control study is to compare individuals who have a specific condition or outcome of interest (the cases) with those who do not have the condition (the controls). This type of study is particularly useful in identifying potential risk factors or causes of diseases or conditions by looking back at their histories and exposures. By analyzing differences between the two groups, researchers can determine associations between certain factors and the likelihood of developing the condition, which can lead to insights about causation and inform future preventive measures or interventions. This design is inherently retrospective, making it valuable for studying rare conditions where prospective studies might not be feasible or practical.