Operational variables (or operationalizing definitions)
refer to how you will define and measure a specific variable as it is used in your study
. For example, if we are concerned with the effect of media violence on aggression, then we need to be very clear what we mean by the different terms.
What is an operational definition in research?
► An operational definition is
how we (the
.
researcher) decide to measure our the variables
.
in our study
(variable = anything that can be measured). ◦ There are usually hundreds of ways to measure a DV (e.g. behavior).
What is an operational definition of an independent variable?
An operational definition describes
exactly what the independent variable is and how it is measured
. Doing this helps ensure that the experiments know exactly what they are looking at or manipulating, allowing them to measure it and determine if it is the IV that is causing changes in the DV.
What is the operational definition of a variable quizlet?
STUDY. variable.
essentially anything that can change
: an event, situation, behaviour, or individual characteristic.
What is an operational definition example?
a description of something in terms of the operations (procedures, actions, or processes) by which it could be observed and measured
. For example, the operational definition of anxiety could be in terms of a test score, withdrawal from a situation, or activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Which is the best example of an operational definition?
An Operational Definition is the definition of a variable in terms of the operations or techniques used to measure or manipulate it. Examples: –
“Height” as defined by the number of feet/inches a person is tall
. * It is easier to define concrete terms than abstract terms.
What are the three elements of an operational definition?
Again, there are three parts to an operational definition:
criteria, test, and decision
.
What is the purpose of operational definition?
An operational definition allows
the researchers to describe in a specific way what they mean when they use a certain term
. … Defining variables in this way allows other people to see if the research has validity. Validity here refers to if the researchers are actually measuring what they intended to measure.
What is the operational definition of relationship?
The
relationship between two people or groups
is the way in which they feel and behave towards each other. … A relationship is a close connection between two people, especially one involving romantic or sexual feelings.
How do you write an operational definition?
- Identify the characteristic of interest. Identify the characteristic to be measured or the defect type of concern.
- Select the measuring instrument. …
- Describe the test method. …
- State the decision criteria. …
- Document the operational definition. …
- Test the operational definition.
What is the operational definition of the dependent variable in psychology?
The dependent variable is
the variable being tested and measured in an experiment, and is ‘dependent’ on the independent variable
. An example of a dependent variable is depression symptoms, which depends on the independent variable (type of therapy).
What are the 3 types of variables?
These changing quantities are called variables. A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables:
independent, dependent, and controlled
.
What is an operational definition of happiness?
An operational definition is
just a decision about operations to measure something
. Happiness can be measured by counting the number of smiles a person emits during an observation period of specified length. However, counting smiles is a poor operational definition of happiness.
What is the operational definition of a smile?
• Sample: – A smile will be defined by the following criteria: (1)
A person’s mouth curves upward
, (2) zygomatic major muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscles contract to reveal a squint and (3) the person’s lips are apart showing one or more teeth.
What is the purpose of an operational definition quizlet?
An operational definition specifies
a measurement procedure (a set of operations) for measuring an external, observable behaviour , and uses the resulting measurements as a definition and measurement of the hypothetical construct
.
Why is an operational definition important quizlet?
Why are operational definitions important in research? They
are important because one must define the measured variables in order to properly measure it
… What is an operational definition for Sleep Deprivation?
