Glossary

The failure of inferences based on group-level (aggregated) analyses to reflect the effect at the individual level. (Adapted from: Rothman and Greenland 1998)

Arises when the level of association between an exposure and an outcome varies by a third factor. (Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014)

An extrinsic factor (e.g., geology, climate, insects, sanitation, or health services) that affects an agent and the opportunity for exposure. (Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014)

The study of the distribution and determinants of health conditions or events among populations. (Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014)

A group whose members have had contact with a suspected cause of, or possess a characteristic that is a suspected determinant of, a particular health problem. (Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014)

Having come into contact with a cause of, or possessing a characteristic that is a determinant of, a particular health problem. (Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2014)

A type of information bias in which a study participant’s exposure status is erroneously assigned. (Adapted from: Rothman and Greenland 1998)