### Question
How does the law define operations research?


### Answer
Under *22 U.S.C. § 7602*, **operations research** is defined as:

> the application of social science research methods, statistical analysis, and other appropriate scientific methods to judge, compare, and improve policies and program outcomes, from the earliest stages of defining and designing programs through their development and implementation, with the objective of the rapid dissemination of conclusions and concrete impact on programming

#### Citation:
  - *22 U.S.C. § 7602*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 83-UNITED STATES LEADERSHIP AGAINST HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, AND MALARIA**

