1. Conceptual Operational D E F I N I T I O N S3
Conceptual
Operational
D E F I N I T I O N S
and

2. Conceptual and Operational Definitions
The better defined a variable is the better it communicates the researcher’s intent and enhances the usefulness of the results
There are two types of definitions commonly used in research:
Conceptual
Operational.

3. Conceptual Definition
A conceptual definition uses words and concepts to describe a variable (as in a dictionary).
Example: ATTITUDE - may be defined conceptually as “a predisposition to respond favorably or unfavorably toward a person, object, or event…”
They are important in conveying what is being investigated but do not indicate precisely what the variable means...

4. Operational Definition
An operational definition indicates how the concept is measured or manipulated….what operations are preformed to measure or manipulate the variable.
It is essential to understand operational definitions because researchers will use different ways of measuring or manipulating the same variable...
A variable must be operationalized in order test a hypothesis.

5. Operational Definition
Socioeconomic Status
High, Middle, Low
The attributes of “High,” “Middle,” and “Low” are meaningless if we cannot describe the categories...
A subject classified as “High” in one study may be “Middle” in another study.

6. Examples Variable Conceptual Operational Self-Concept
Characteristics used to describe oneself.
Scores on the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory
Intelligence
Ability to think abstractly
Scores on the Sanford-Binet

7. Operationalized Hypothesis
Examples
“There is a positive relationship between self-esteem and creativity”
Hypothesis
Operationalized Hypothesis
“There is a positive relationship between the scores on the the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scale and the scores on the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking.”
This statement indicates the researcher has selected these operational procedures as the most valid for the two variables…

8. Multiple Variables
In some situations, it may become grammatically unwieldy when dealing with several variables of a problem statement.