Chapter 7 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is reliability?
Refers to the ability of a measuring instrument to give consistent results on repeated trials.
Synonym: precision
What is validity?
The ability of the measuring instrument to give a true measure of the entity being measured
Synonym: accuracy
What is legitimization?
The process of making policies legitimate, meaning to be acceptable to the norms of society
Ex: wearing a helmet riding a bike could be a policy. When it first came out, people didn’t want to do it because they’re ugly. Now it’s generally accepted in the public, it’s the norm
What is risk?
the likelihood of experiencing an adverse effect.
What is risk assessment?
a process for identifying adverse consequences and their associated probability.
What is a policy?
A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters
What is evidence based public health?
Refers to the adoption of policies, laws, and programs that are supported by empirical data.
One of the most reliable forms of evidence comes from randomized controlled trials.
What is dose-response assessment?
The measurement of “…the relationship between the amount of exposure and the occurrence of the unwanted health effects.”
What is policy establishment?
Involves the formal* adoption of policies, programs, and procedures that are designed to protect society from public health hazards.
*They’re not necessarily written down, there’s not a book of policies. DOES NOT HAVE TO BE FORMAL
What are the phases/componenets of the policy cycle?
- Policy definition
- Agenda setting
- Policy establishment
- Policy implementation
- Assess Policy
Back at #1 with policy definition/formulation/reformulation
Describe the relationship between reliability and validity
A screening test should be both reliable and valid.
Reliability and validity are interrelated terms.
Example: A bathroom weight scale that consistently gives the incorrect weight provides a reliable, but invalid measurement.
What are 4 measures of validity?
Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (+), and predictive value (-)
Describe ways in which epidemiologists can contribue to health policy
- Are able to provide quantitative evidence regarding proposed health policies
- Can take an objective stance with respect to data collection
- Can provide input regarding the need for and efficacy of health policies
- Conducting and disseminating his or her own research
- Serving on expert groups that make policy recommendations
- Serving as an expert witness in litigation
- Testifying before a policy-making body (e.g., city council or state legislature)
- Working as an advocate (e.g., within a health-related coalition) to achieve a specific policy objective
What is sensitivity?
The ability of the test to identify correctly all screened individuals who actually have the disease.
What is specificity?
The ability of the test to identify only nondiseased individuals who actually do not have the disease
