Which of the following distinguishes a time-series design from an interrupted time-series design?
A)Time series examines the effect of a treatment and interrupted time series examines the effect of an outside event.
B)Time series examines the effect of an outside event and interrupted time series examines the effect of a treatment.
C)Time series involves several observations before and after the treatment/event and interrupted time series has only one observation before and after.
D)Time series involves only one observation before and after the treatment/event and interrupted time series has several observations before and after.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a time-series design, the focus is on examining the effect of a treatment over time. In contrast, an interrupted time-series design involves examining the effect of an outside event (such as a policy change or natural disaster) on a particular outcome of interest. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it correctly distinguishes between the two designs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they either inaccurately describe the focus of time-series design, the number of observations involved, or the difference between the two designs.

Which of the Following Distinguishes a Time-Series Design from an Interrupted