Conceptual ambiguity refers to the use of vague, imprecise, or ill-defined concepts that lack clear boundaries or operational definitions, leading to confusion or misinterpretation in scientific discourse.

• Undefined or shifting terms (e.g., “functional outcome” without specification)
• Lack of clarity about study population or intervention scope
• Implicit assumptions not explicitly addressed
• Overlap between distinct categories without proper justification

• Undermines the internal validity of research
• Hinders reproducibility and evidence synthesis
• Facilitates biased conclusions or oversimplified narratives
• Obstructs proper clinical translation

• Comparing “microsurgical” vs. “endovascular” treatment without accounting for aneurysm morphology, size, or location introduces conceptual ambiguity—because the two groups are not truly equivalent or comparable in real clinical terms.

• Define all key terms explicitly
• Disclose assumptions and group criteria clearly
• Justify comparisons with solid conceptual alignment