Extrapolation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-010571",
  "term": "Extrapolation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Extrapolation is a process that uses assumptions about fundamental causes underlying the observed phenomena in order to project beyond the range of the data. In general, extrapolation is not considered a reliable process for prediction; however, there are situations where it may be necessary and useful.\n\n2. Estimation of unknown values by extending or projecting from known values.\n\n3. An estimate of response or quantity at a point outside the range of the experimental data. Also refers to the estimation of a measured response in a different species or by a different route than that used in the experimental study of interest (i.e., species-to-species, route-to-route, acute-to-chronic, high-to-low).\n\n4. In risk assessment, this process entails postulating a biologic reality based on observable responses and developing a mathematical model to describe this reality. The model may then be used to extrapolate to response levels that cannot be directly observed. [MERREA 2005, RAIS 2004, SRA 2004]\n\n5. Extrapolation is when the value of a variable is estimated at times which have not yet been observed. This estimate may be reasonably reliable for short times into the future, but for longer times, the estimate is liable to become less accurate. [STEPS 1997]\n\n6. The use of related data to estimate an unobserved or unmeasured value.",
  "subject": "Policy and guidance",
  "references": [
    "Modeling Glossary",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) Glossary of Terms",
    "Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment",
    "EPA Guidelines to Assessing Regional Vulnerabilities at http://www.epa.gov/reva/docs/guidelines_reva_20080627.pdf"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/extrapolation/"
}