Final answer:
To conduct a cross-sectional study, researchers must develop a research question, review existing literature, formulate a hypothesis, collect data after informing and obtaining consent from the subjects, and analyze the data to test their hypothesis and draw conclusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To conduct an effective cross-sectional study, there are five key steps that researchers typically follow:
Develop a research question based on observations or the need for further understanding of a certain phenomenon.
Review existing literature to understand the current state of knowledge and clarify the necessity of the new study.
Formulate a hypothesis that the study will test, often based on the findings from existing literature and research questions.
Collect data using a well-constructed instrument or method, ensuring subjects are fully informed about the nature and purpose of the study, and obtain their consent.
Analyze the collected data to generate conclusions, test the original hypothesis, and calculate measures such as mortality rates if that is the study’s aim.