Technical vs. Operational Definitions

Which of the following best describes a technical definition?

• A definition based on how a term is measured or applied in a specific study

• A broad, dictionary-style definition of a term

• A definition used in everyday language

• A definition that varies based on personal interpretation

An operational definition is used to:

• Provide the formal meaning of a word in a field of study

• Define a term based on how it is applied in a specific experiment or context

• Replace technical definitions in academic writing

• Describe the history of a term

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition of 'intelligence'?

• Intelligence is the ability to learn from experience and solve problems.

• Intelligence is measured using an IQ test score.

• Intelligence refers to how well someone understands complex ideas.

• Intelligence is the knowledge gained over time.

In research, an operational definition is most useful because it:

• Helps ensure clarity and consistency in how a variable is measured

• Provides a universally accepted meaning of a term

• Allows for multiple interpretations of a concept

• Eliminates the need for a hypothesis

A technical definition is always based on measurable characteristics.

An operational definition can change depending on the research study.

The operational definition of 'happiness' could be defined by a person's self-reported score on a survey.

Technical definitions are used only in scientific research.

Provide an operational definition of 'academic success.'

Provide a technical definition of 'gravity.'