An investigation of the correlation between genetically modified corn consumption and colon cancer is an example of which type of study?

The investigation of the correlation between genetically modified corn consumption and colon cancer is an example of an ecological study because it examines the relationship between exposure (in this case, consumption of genetically modified corn) and an outcome (colon cancer) at a population level. Ecological studies focus on groups rather than individuals, allowing researchers to look for patterns or correlations between the variables across different populations or regions.

In this type of research, data collected about corn consumption and colon cancer rates can be analyzed to identify trends or associations, though it cannot establish causation. This distinction is important because it highlights how ecological studies can suggest hypotheses, but other study designs are necessary to clarify causal relationships.