Study Design Decision Tree

Test efficacy/effectiveness of an Ayurvedic intervention

Explore associations or risk factors

Determine prevalence or incidence of a condition

Understand mechanism of action or pathophysiology

Describe characteristics or natural history

Yes - Random assignment is feasible and ethical

No - Random assignment is not feasible or ethical

Prospective - Follow participants forward in time

Retrospective - Look back at existing data

Cross-sectional - Single point in time assessment

Yes - Control or comparison group available

No - Single group study only

Short-term (≤3 months) - Immediate effects

Medium-term (3-12 months) - Sustained effects

Long-term (>12 months) - Long-term outcomes