Introduction to Research Design and Statistics

Operational Definitions


An operational definition is a definition that defines the exact manner in which a variable is measured. Giving the steps used in defining each variable allows others to evaluate and potentially replicate a research study. Success or failure of a research project often hinges on how well the variables can operationalized.

Tuckman (1978) identifies three types of operational definitions.

A type A operational definition can be constructed in terms of the operations performed to cause the phenomenon to occur.

A type B operational definition can be constructed in terms of how the particular object or thing operates. A type C operational definition can be constructed in terms of what an object or phenomenon looks like. With these definitions how might we define each of the following:


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Phil Ender, 15oct01