Table 2.
Definitions of Measures of Race and Ethnicity in Epidemiologic Research
| Measure | Definition |
|---|---|
| Measures of racea | |
| Identity | Subjective self-identification assessed through an open-ended question (i.e., free response) |
| Self-classification | Self-identification assessed through a closed-ended question |
| Observed | Race identified by a third party (e.g., interviewer) based on appearance alone or through interaction |
| Phenotype | Skin tone or other physical characteristics (e.g., hair texture, bone structure) assessed alone or in combination |
| Reflected | The race you believe others assume you to be; respondent’s understanding of how they are view by others |
| Ancestry | As informed by familial history, genetic testing, or blood quantum |
| Unclear/not statedb | Insufficient information or no information on how race was measured |
| Identity versus self-classificationb | Race was self-identified, but unclear whether the question was open- or closed-ended |
| Measures of ethnicityc | |
| Identity | Subjective self-identification assessed through an open-ended question (i.e., free response) |
| Self-classification | Self-identification assessed through a closed-ended question |
| Country of origin | The country from which a person originally comes or “nationality” |
| Observed | Ethnicity identified by a third party (e.g., interviewer) based on appearance alone or through interaction |
| Reflected | The ethnicity you believe others assume you to be; respondent’s understanding of how they are view by others |
| Ancestry | As informed by familial history |
| Unclear/not statedb | Insufficient information or no information on how ethnicity was measured |
| Identity versus self-classificationb | Ethnicity was self-identified, but unclear whether the question was open- or closed-ended |