A '''retrospective study''' identifies specific subjects for investigation, usually for [[disease]], and looks backwards in time rather than forward in time. For example, a retrospective study might identify individuals who have developed cancer and then look backward in time at the their medical, family or occupational history to find potential causes for the disease. | A '''retrospective study''' identifies specific subjects for investigation, usually for [[disease]], and looks backwards in time rather than forward in time. For example, a retrospective study might identify individuals who have developed cancer and then look backward in time at the their medical, family or occupational history to find potential causes for the disease. |