TECHNICAL

AND
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITIONS
 OBJECTIVES
1. Explain the meaning of technical definitions
and operational definitions with accuracy.
2. Assess given definitions for clarity, precision,
and appropriateness in a given context.
3. Use technical and operational definitions in
research.
 WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
1. A brief summary of a research study that includes the purpose, methods, key findings, and conclusions. It
provides readers with an overview of the research without having to read the entire paper.

2. It is a specific issue, difficulty, or gap in knowledge that the study aims to address. It forms the foundation of the
research and justifies why the study is necessary.

3. The process of selecting a subset of individuals, groups, or cases from a larger population to participate in a
study.

4. The difference between existing knowledge and what needs to be explored or discovered in a particular field of
research

5. A research method focused on understanding concepts, experiences, or social phenomena through non-
numerical data such as interviews, observations, and texts. It emphasizes depth over generalizability.

6. The extent and boundaries of a study, including the topics covered, the population studied, the time frame, and
the limitations of the research. It defines what is included and excluded from the study.

7. The opening section of a research paper that presents the background, research problem, objectives,
significance, and sometimes a brief overview of the methodology. It sets the stage for the study.

8. A research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships,
and statistical significance. It often involves surveys, experiments, and structured observations.

9. The section of a research paper that describes the approach, design, procedures, data collection techniques,
and analysis methods used in the study.

10. A characteristic, factor, or element that can change or vary in a study. Variables can be independent
(manipulated), dependent (measured), or controlled (kept constant) depending on the research design.
FORCE

CELL
MODEL
 Why is it important to know the Technical and
Operational Definitions?

Technical and operational definitions ensure clarity,

consistency, and accuracy in research. Technical definitions
provide standard meanings, while operational definitions
specify measurement methods. This prevents ambiguity,
supports reliable data analysis, and enhances replicability,
making research more valid and precise.
 Definition of Terms – an alphabetical list of important terms, acronyms, or
jargons used in the research study.

1.Motivation
⚬ Technical Definition: Motivation is the internal drive that compels individuals to
take action toward achieving a goal.
⚬ Operational Definition: Motivation is measured through self-reported scores on
a 10-item motivation questionnaire.
2.Intelligence
⚬ Technical Definition: Intelligence is the ability to learn, reason, and solve
problems.
⚬ Operational Definition: Intelligence is determined by a participant’s score on
the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
3. Depression
⚬ Technical Definition: Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by
persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue.
⚬ Operational Definition: Depression is assessed using participants' scores on the
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
4. Academic Performance
⚬ Technical Definition: Academic performance refers to a student's ability to achieve
learning outcomes in an educational setting.
⚬ Operational Definition: Academic performance is measured by the student’s Grade
Point Average (GPA) for the current semester.
5. Physical Fitness
⚬ Technical Definition: Physical fitness is the ability of the body to perform daily
activities efficiently without undue fatigue.
⚬ Operational Definition: Physical fitness is evaluated through participants'
performance in a standardized fitness test, including a one-mile run and body mass
index (BMI) measurement.
 WHAT REALLY IS TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL
DEFINITIONS?

Technical Definition is the dictionary or scientific meaning of a word

based on established knowledge. It explains what the term
generally means.
Operational Definition is how the word is used or measured in a
specific study. It explains how researchers will observe, measure, or
apply the term in their research.
When to Use Technical and Operational Definitions?

Technical definitions are used when providing a standard,

widely accepted meaning of a term, often based on scientific or
theoretical concepts. They are useful in literature reviews,
background discussions, and theoretical frameworks to ensure
clarity and consistency in academic writing.

Operational definitions are used when a term needs to be

specifically measured or applied in a study. They are essential
in research methodology to define how variables will be
observed, tested, or quantified. This ensures that concepts are
measurable and research findings are replicable.
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL
DEFINITIONS

SIMILARITIES

TECHNICAL OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION DEFINITION
GROUP ACTIVITY

Activity Instructions:
1.Write down 1 specific issue you face in your daily life.
2.Identify terms related to the issue.
3.For each term, provide:
⚬ Technical Definition (general meaning)
⚬ Operational Definition (how it applies or is measured in
your situation)
4.Share your definitions with the group and discuss how they
relate to your everyday life.
QUIZ TIME!
1. What is the main difference between a technical definition and an operational definition?
A) Technical definitions describe how something works, while operational definitions explain the meaning of terms.
B) Technical definitions are specific to a field of study, while operational definitions are based on observable actions or
measurements.
C) Technical definitions are general, and operational definitions are detailed descriptions.
D) Technical definitions rely on subjective descriptions, while operational definitions are always objective.
2. Which of the following is an example of a technical definition?
A) A laptop is a portable computer with a screen, keyboard, and processor designed for personal use.
B) A laptop is defined by how it is measured when in use: a screen size of 13–15 inches and a battery life of at least 5 hours.
C) A laptop is any device used for work or entertainment.
D) A laptop refers to an object used primarily by students and business professionals.
3. Which of the following best describes an operational definition?
A) It involves using a term’s meaning based on expert knowledge.
B) It provides a specific criterion or measurement for a variable or term.
C) It focuses on the emotional impact of a term.
D) It gives a vague explanation that can be understood by everyone
4. Why are operational definitions important in scientific research?
A) They help standardize terms to ensure consistency across studies.
B) They make research more subjective and flexible.
C) They allow for broad interpretations of terms.
5. Which of the following would be an operational definition of "stress"?
 A) Stress is the feeling of pressure or anxiety experienced by an individual.
 B) Stress is measured by a person's cortisol levels in their blood during a challenging
task.
 C) Stress is a general term for feeling overwhelmed.
 D) Stress refers to any form of discomfort caused by external factors.

TRUE OR FALSE
1.A technical definition of a term will always involve subjective descriptions.
2.An operational definition is intended to be measurable and observable in a specific way.
3.Technical definitions are typically broader and used across different fields, whereas
operational definitions are specific to a study or experiment.
4.A technical definition provides a description based on subjective experience or individual
interpretation.
5. Operational definitions are used to make abstract concepts measurable and observable
in research and experiment.
THANK YOU