Operational definition

Operational Definition
BPH 3rd year

1. Operational Definition(OD) Ankita Kunwar Bph 3 rd year

2. Operational Definition is the definition of a variable in terms of the actual procedures used by the researcher to measure and/or manipulate it. • Similar to a ‘recipe,’ operational definitions specify exactly how to measure and/or manipulate the variables in a study.

3. • Operationalizing is done by looking at the behavioral dimensions, or properties denoted by the concept. These are then translated into observable and measurable elements. Good operational definitions define procedures precisely so that other researchers can replicate the study.

4. It defines or gives meaning to a variable by spelling out what the investigator must do to measure it ( Kerlinger 1986). Importance of OD: - They permit investigators to measure abstract concepts and constructs and -permit researchers to permit move from the level of constructs and theory to the level of observation- ( Ary 1985).

5. Types of Operational Definition 1)Measured Operational Definition 2)Experimental Operational Definition

6. Types of Operational Definition 1)Measured Operational Definition : Operations by which investigators may measure a concept. Example : An actual (score) value from a test or questionnaire the researchers would develop to measure “hunger.”

7. Types of Operational Definition 2)Experimental Operational Definition : Steps taken by a researcher to produce certain experimental conditions. Example: A manipulated scenario to produce the condition of “hunger.” (such as preventing the subject from consuming anything for x number of hours) .