What Does "Operationally Defined" Mean in Epidemiology?
In epidemiology, the term "operationally defined" refers to the specific, precise criteria used to measure or identify a concept, condition, or variable in a study. This ensures that the data collected is consistent and reliable, allowing for accurate comparisons and analyses. For example, an operational definition of "smoking status" might include criteria such as the number of cigarettes smoked per day or whether the individual has smoked within the past six months.
