Technical and Operational Definitions in Research

Technical and Operational Definitions

• Technical and operational definitions are important for understanding terms in research.

Definition of Terms

• A definition of terms is an alphabetical list of important terms, acronyms, or jargon used in a research study.
• Jargon examples: Medical jargon includes "Code Blue," police jargon includes "Code 3," and education jargon includes "Pedagogy".
• Structure: The manner by which something is built or organized, according to the dictionary.
• Structure in engineering is the configuration of steel beams as the foundation of a building.
• Structure in linguistics is the arrangement of words.

Two Types of Definition of Terms

• Technical
• Operational

Technical Definition

• Technical definitions are universal meanings of terms.
• Technical definitions come from dictionaries, encyclopedias, books, journals, and websites.

Operational Definition

• Operational definitions dictate how a term functions in research.
• Operational definitions refer to a specific definitions of a concept in a research study.
• The researcher formulates the meaning of the term, which is objectively anchored on the technical definition.

Guidelines for Defining Terms

• Define only terms, words, or phrases that have a special or unique meaning
• Define important words in the title
• Define technical terms used in research
• Define words for treatments and measurement
• Define terms technically, operationally, or both.
• Acknowledge sources from dictionaries, books, encyclopedias, publications, and websites for technical definitions.
• Spell out uncommon acronyms and give their meanings.
• Definitions must be short, clear, and unambiguous.

Definition of Terms Examples

• Comprehension is the ability to understand completely and be familiar with a situation, fact, text, or message and cited Cambridge Dictionary, 2019
• Comprehension Level involves levels of understanding in reading comprehension: the literal, inferential, and evaluative.
• Instructional Leadership, according to de Lima in 2008, the ability to involve colleagues collaboratively in mutual learning and development, with the main purpose of improving teaching and learning.

Definitions

• Technology: Tools and devices, like computers and phones, that help people do tasks more easily.
• Food: Any substance consumed by living organisms to provide nutrients, energy, and sustenance.
• Water: A transparent, odorless, and tasteless liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) that is essential for life.
• Clock: A tool that shows the time to help people know when to wake up, go to school, or do tasks.
• Paper: A thin material made from processed wood pulp, used for writing, printing, and packaging.
• Rain: Water that falls from the sky, making everything wet and helping plants grow.
• School: An institution designed for the education and development of students through structured learning programs.

Explore technical and operational definitions. Technical definitions are universal meanings found in dictionaries and other academic sources. Operational definitions explain how a term functions specifically within a research context, ensuring clarity and consistency.