AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Operationalization essentially means defining observable and measurable components of a given construct or behavior. The term is used often in the social sciences because scientists in that field have to spend so much time creating and validating their constructs of interest, just to be able to measure for them.

Detailed explanation-2: -Once a theoretical construct is defined, exactly how do we measure it? Operationalization refers to the process of developing indicators or items for measuring these constructs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Constructs are broad concepts or topics for a study. Constructs can be conceptually defined in that they have meaning in theoretical terms. They can be abstract and do not necessarily need to be directly observable. Examples of constructs include intelligence or life satisfaction.

Detailed explanation-4: -Constructs are conceptualized at the theoretical (abstract) plane, while variables are operationalized and measured at the empirical (observational) plane.