Matching

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-016646",
  "term": "Matching",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A method utilized to create comparison groups, in which groups or individuals are matched to those in the treatment group based on characteristics felt to be relevant to program outcomes.\n\n2. In a retrospective study, a method for identifying a comparison group. Matching pairs observational unit: each unit that has both trait-of-interest A and nuisance effects B,C,... with another unit that lacks trait-of-interest A, yet still shares B,C,... Low yielding lots (trait-of-interest is yield) are in this way compared to well yielding lots of the same product started at about the same time. Matches in this way are more sensitive to key causal differences (for example, in the particular equipment set used) than would occur from taking “matches” from all available lots. Matching is a way of implementing commonality studies. Matching is a kind of blocking for retrospective studies.\n\n3. The process of making a study group and a comparison group in an epidemiological study comparable with respect to extraneous or confounding factors such as age, sex, weight, etc. [CancerWeb 2005]\n\n4. In a retrospective study, a method for identifying a comparison group. Matching pairs observational unit: each unit that has both trait-of-interest A and nuisance effects B,C,... with another unit that lacks trait-of-interest A, yet still shares B,C,... Low yielding lots (trait-of-interest is yield) are in this way compared to well yielding lots of the same product started at about the same time. Matches in this way are more sensitive to key causal differences (for example, in the particular equipment set used) than would occur from taking “matches” from all available lots. Matching is a way of implementing commonality studies. Matching is a kind of blocking for retrospective studies. [NIST/SEMATECH 2005b]",
  "subject": "Policy and guidance",
  "references": [
    "Program Evaluation Glossary",
    "NIST/SEMATECH 2005b",
    "Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/matching/"
}