Technical and Operational Definitions

What is an operational definition in?

• A common meaning of a term

• A dictionary definition

• A measurement or application of a term in a particular context

• A personal opinion

Why are technical terms defined in research?

• To make the study complex

• To clarify key concepts

• To increase the word count

• To allow multiple interpretations

Which is an operational definition?

• Intelligence is the ability to think.

• Stress is emotional tension.

• Happiness is a state of joy.

• Academic performance is measured by GPA.

Why are operational definitions important?

• To ensure consistency in measurement

• To impress readers

• To allow vague interpretations

• To make research subjective

How do technical and operational definitions differ?

• Technical is scientific; operational is informal

• Technical comes from literature; operational applies to specific context

• Technical is for experiments; operational is for surveys

• They are the same

This definition uses, “In this research” or “In this study.”

• Operational

• Technical

• Both technical and operational

• None of the above

“Speed is the rate at which an object moves.” This is an example of what definition?

• Operational

• Technical

• Both technical and operational

• None of the above

“Happiness in this research is defined as a person’s score on a happiness survey.” This is an example of what definition?

• Operational

• Technical

• Both technical and operational

• None of the above

“Love is shown through acts of kindness, time spent together, and emotional support.” This is an example of what definition?

• Operational

• Technical

• Both technical and operational

• None of the above

Which is a technical definition?

• Gravity is the force that pulls things down

• Freedom is my voice echoing without fear, my steps moving toward dreams

• Love is kindness

• Hope is feeling positive