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Operational Definitions

Operational definitions specify how a variable will be measured in a study. They describe in detail the procedures for observation and measurement, without which scientific research cannot take place. There are two main types: measured operational definitions specify how a variable will be quantified, while experimental operational definitions detail the investigator's manipulations or interventions. A good operational definition defines the concept, states how it will be measured, and specifies the target population.

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24 views

Operational Definitions

Operational definitions specify how a variable will be measured in a study. They describe in detail the procedures for observation and measurement, without which scientific research cannot take place. There are two main types: measured operational definitions specify how a variable will be quantified, while experimental operational definitions detail the investigator's manipulations or interventions. A good operational definition defines the concept, states how it will be measured, and specifies the target population.

Uploaded by

rexdecena_pharmasia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operational

Definitions

Definition:
An operational definition is how we

(the researcher) decide to measure


our the variables in our study.
An operational definition is a detailed
specification of how one would go
about measuring a given variable.

When it comes to operational definitions,

you can never be too detailed.

Even for simple things, it is best to


specify procedures in detail.
There can be no scientific research
without observations, and
observations are impossible without
clear and specific instructions on what
and how to observe.

There are, in general, two kinds of


operational definitions:
1.
2. Experimental.
Measured
A measured operational definition
describes how a variable will be
measured.
An experimental operational
definition spells out the details
(operations) of the investigators

To create an operational definition we need to


Example:

both define the concept and state how we will


measure it:
Depression: A state of excessive sadness or

hopelessness, often with physical symptoms


(Oxford American Dictionary, 1980).

As measured using Becks Depression


Inventory
You should also include the target
population (scope) in the operational
definition. For example, depression
among adolescent girls, age 13-18.

If

you are having your participants


take a psychological measure, you
want to specify the conditions under
which the measure should be given.

That is one reason why admissions


exams are often given under very strict
conditions that are spelled out in detail
for the examiners.

The Perfect Operational Definition


One must accept that there is no perfect

operational definition for a given construct.

No single operational definition is likely


to provide the perfect measure of the
construct you are interested in.

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