the predefined characteristics, conditions, or factors that a participant must meet to be eligible for enrollment in a research study or clinical trial. These criteria ensure that the study population is appropriate for the research objectives and help produce reliable, generalizable results.
Synonyms: Eligibility Requirements, Admission Criteria, Enrollment Criteria, Participant Requirements
Example
In a clinical trial of a new osteoarthritis treatment, inclusion criteria might require:
Adults aged 45–75
Pain in the affected joint on most days during the previous month
Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the knee or hip
Only participants meeting all these criteria would be eligible to enroll in the trial.