AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Operationally defining a variable involves taking an abstract construct like depression that cannot be directly observed and transforming it into something that can be directly observed and measured. Most variables can be operationally defined in many different ways.

Detailed explanation-2: -Your operational definitions describe the variables you will use as indicators and the procedures you will use to observe or measure them. You need an operational definition because you can’t measure anything without one, no matter how good your conceptual definition might be.

Detailed explanation-3: -An essential component of an operational definition is measurement. A simple and accurate definition of measurement is the assignment of numbers to a variable in which we are interested. These numbers will provide the raw material for our statistical analysis.

Detailed explanation-4: -Operational definition is a statement of the specific dimensions and elements through which a concept will become measurable. Operationalizing is done by looking at the behavioral dimensions, or properties denoted by the concept. These are then translated into observable and measurable elements.

Detailed explanation-5: -For example, if an experiment was conducted to test the effects of Vitamin E on endurance, the dependent variable being the person’s endurance, might be operationally defined in ways such as: The distance a person could run without stopping. The number of hours a person could stay awake.