capture-recapture method

capture-recapture method

originally, a technique developed by biologists to track wild animal populations; now adapted for epidemiologic studies of elusive human populations (for example, prostitutes, teen runaways, injecting drug users).

cap·ture-re·cap·ture meth·od

(kapchŭr-rēkap-chŭr methŏd) At first, a technique developed by biologists to track wild animal populations; now adapted for epidemiologic studies of elusive human populations (e.g., prostitutes, teen runaways, injecting drug users).