Measurement of

Variables:Operati
onal Definition &
Sampling
VIKTOR PIRMANA
Introduction

 Accurately measuring variables is crucial in

research.
Operational definitions precisely describe
how to measure a variable, ensuring
consistency.
 Sampling methods select representative
participants to generalize findings.
 Understanding these measurement
concepts is key to valid, reliable data
collection.
Importance of Measurement in
Research

Accurate Data Systematic Approach Quantitative Insights

Collection Measurement enables Numerical measurements
Precise measurement researchers to follow a provide quantifiable data
ensures the research data standardized, methodical that can be statistically
collected is reliable and process, enhancing the analyzed, allowing
valid, forming the foundation overall quality and rigor of researchers to uncover
for robust analysis and the study. trends, patterns, and
meaningful conclusions. relationships.
Operational Definition of Variables

Defining Precisely Measurable Concepts Standardized

Operational definitions Operational definitions
Procedures
specify exactly how a translate abstract concepts Well-defined operational
variable is to be measured or into observable, quantifiable definitions outline
manipulated. This ensures measures that can be standardized procedures for
consistency and clarity in evaluated and tested measuring variables,
research. empirically. promoting reliability and
replicability of research
findings.
Characteristics of a Good
Operational Definition
Measurable Objective Specific Unambiguous
A good operational The definition The definition The definition
definition should should be free from should clearly and should leave no
describe the subjective precisely detail room for confusion
variable in a way interpretations and what is being or multiple
that can be personal biases. It measured, interpretations. It
quantified or should rely on including any should be clear
measured observable and relevant and concise,
objectively. It verifiable data conditions, leaving no doubt
should specify how rather than thresholds, or about how the
the variable will be subjective qualifications. This variable will be
assessed or judgments. ensures consistent operationalized.
observed. application across
different
researchers or
Measurement Scales: Nominal,
Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio
Nominal Scale Ordinal Scale
Assigns labels or categories without Establishes a rank order, like educational
inherent order, like gender or marital levels or socioeconomic status. Ordinal
status. Nominal scales only allow for scales show the relative position but not
classification, not quantification. the magnitude of difference.

Interval Scale Ratio Scale

Has equal distances between scale points, Possesses a true zero point, making ratios
like temperature or IQ scores. Interval between values meaningful, like weight or
scales allow for meaningful comparisons income. Ratio scales are the most
of differences between values. powerful and allow for the most statistical
analysis.
Sampling: Concept and Types
1 Sampling Concept 2 Probability 3 Non-Probability
Sampling is the
Sampling Sampling
process of selecting a This includes simple This includes
subset of a population random sampling, convenience sampling,
to represent the entire systematic sampling, purposive sampling,
population for the stratified sampling, quota sampling, and
purpose of research or and cluster sampling snowball sampling
analysis. where each unit in the where the selection of
population has a units is based on the
known, non-zero researcher's judgment
chance of being rather than random
selected. chance.
Probability Sampling Methods
Simple Stratified Cluster Systematic
Random Random Sampling Sampling
Sampling Sampling
The population is A starting point is
Each member of The population is divided into randomly selected,
the population has first divided into clusters, often then every nth
an equal chance of relevant based on member of the
being selected for subgroups, then a geographic population is
the sample. This random sample is location. A random chosen for the
method ensures an drawn from each sample of the sample, creating a
unbiased subgroup. This clusters is then systematic pattern.
representation of ensures selected, and all This is efficient but
the target representation of members within requires a
population. key characteristics the chosen clusters complete list of the
in the final sample. are included in the population.
final sample.
Non-Probability Sampling Methods

Convenience Sampling Purposive Sampling Snowball Sampling

Selecting participants based Deliberately selecting Initial participants refer
on their availability and participants based on subsequent participants,
accessibility, often the specific characteristics to useful for reaching hard-to-
easiest and most cost- ensure the sample aligns access or hidden
effective method, but results with the research objectives, populations, but sample may
may not be representative of allowing for in-depth not be representative.
the target population. exploration of the
phenomenon.
Factors affecting sample size

Statistical Resource constraints Population diversity

considerations Budget, time, and access to More diverse populations
Sample size is influenced by study participants can limit require larger sample sizes
statistical factors like desired the feasible sample size for a to ensure adequate
confidence level, margin of research project. representation of different
error, and expected effect subgroups.
size.
Ethical Considerations in Sampling
Participant Consent Representation
Ensure that participants provide informed Strive for a diverse and representative
consent before including them in the sample that reflects the target population.
sample. Respect their right to privacy and Avoid biases that could marginalize certain
withdrawal from the study. groups.

Confidentiality Equitable Access

Protect the confidentiality of participant Ensure that the sampling process is fair
data and anonymize responses to prevent and provides equal opportunity for
identification. Securely store and handle participation. Address any barriers that
sensitive information. could limit access.