1. Conceptualization
Defining exactly what you mean in your research by a particular term
How do you get from vague ideas that you have to actual measurement?

2. Nominal Definition a working definition
defines the elements of the concept in question, and rules out all other things that it might be (for now)
Example: Family Structure

3. Nominal Definition: Family Structure
What are some of the initial problems?
Why does size of the group studied matter here?
Census data
How does Regnerus handle it?

4. Operational Definition
a definition which identifies observable indicators that measure the concept in question
Marital status of biological parents, past and present
“calendar data” – past and present
Parent had same-sex relationship
Actual questions?

5. Problems with this definition?
Mutually exclusive?
Valid?
Reliable?
What’s missing?

6. Lesbian Mother (N = 163) 91% lived with mother while in a relationship
57% lived with mother and partner +4 mo.
23% lived with mother and partner +3 yrs
N = 37

7. Gay Father (N = 73) 42% lived with father while in a relationship
23% lived with father and partner +4 mo.
2% lived with father and partner +3 yrs
N = 1

8. Child outcome variables
Choose a dependent variable and discuss its nominal and operational definition.
How does it relate to the IV?
What is Regnerus’ argument about causality?