Analysis

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-001381",
  "term": "Analysis",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A systematic approach to problem solving. Complex problems are made simpler by separating them into more understandable elements. This involves the identification of purposes and facts, the statement of defensible assumptions, and the formulation of conclusions.\n\n2. The EPA/ILSI MRA and EPA ecological frameworks use the term analysis differently than the NRC and Codex frameworks. Codex and NRC use \"risk analysis\" to refer to the whole field that encompasses risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. The EPA/ILSI framework uses \"analysis phase\" to refer to the characterization of exposure and characterization of human health effects within a risk assessment. Therefore, there can be confusion if the term \"analysis\" is used without the appropriate qualifier, such as risk analysis or analysis phase.\n\n3. The systematic application of specific theories and methods, including those from natural science, social science, engineering, decision science, logic, mathematics, and law, for the purpose of collecting and interpreting data and drawing conclusions about phenomena. It may be qualitative or quantitative. Its competence is typically judged by criteria developed within the fields of expertise from which the theories and methods come.\n\n4. A systematic approach to problem solving. Complex problems are simplified by separating them into more understandable elements. This involves the identification of purposes and facts, the statement of defensible assumptions, and the formulation of conclusions.",
  "subject": "Policy and guidance",
  "references": [
    "Program Evaluation Glossary",
    "Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment",
    "EPA 2004"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/analysis/"
}