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Basic Concepts

In: Handbook of Epidemiology

Author

Listed:
  • Kenneth J. Rothman

    (Boston University Medical Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Department of Medicine)

  • Sander Greenland

    (UCLA College of Letters and Science, Department of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health
    UCLA College of Letters and Science, Department of Statistics)

Abstract

Epidemiology is the science that focuses on the occurrence of disease in its broadest sense, with the fundamental aim to understand and to control its causes. This chapter deals with the conceptual building blocks of epidemiology. First we offer a model for causation, from which a variety of insights relevant to epidemiologic understanding emerge. We then discuss the basis by which we attempt to infer that an identified factor is indeed a cause of disease; the guidelines lead us through a rapid review of modern scientific philosophy. The remainder of the chapter deals with epidemiologic fundamentals of measurement, including the measurement of disease and the measurement of causal effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth J. Rothman & Sander Greenland, 2005. "Basic Concepts," Springer Books, in: Wolfgang Ahrens & Iris Pigeot (ed.), Handbook of Epidemiology, chapter 0, pages 43-88, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-540-26577-1_2
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-26577-1_2
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