Journal
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
Volume 41, Issue 6, Pages 1127-1131Publisher
CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291710001595
Keywords
Case-control studies; control selection; well controls
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Background. Studies comparing cases with controls to uncover the causes of psychiatric disorders are common in biological research. The validity of these studies depends upon adherence to the methodological principles underlying the case-control design. However, these principles are often violated. One common practice that violates these principles is the use of well controls. In this paper we describe the bias that it can cause and discuss why the use of well controls leads to invalidity in case-control studies. Method. Using hypothetical numerical examples we illustrate the consequences of using well controls. Results. The results illustrate that the use of well controls can cause substantial bias. In no instance does the use of well controls improve validity. Conclusions. We conclude that the use of well controls is an unhealthy practice in psychiatric research.
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