Theoretical vs. Operational Definitions Quiz

Conceptual and Operational Definitions

• Conceptual definitions focus on the underlying idea or concept, similar to what you would find in a dictionary definition.
• Operational definitions specify the operations required to manipulate or measure the concept, e.g., defining aggression as the volume, in decibels, at which someone shouts.

Independent Variables

• Each possible option of an independent variable is known as a level.
• Multiple levels of an independent variable can be introduced, creating multiple experimental groups.
• Multigroup designs allow for the detection of non-linear relationships between variables.

Dependent Variables

• Dependent variables can be measured using behavioral response, self-report, or physical response.
• Self-report is the most common method used in psychology.

Self-Report Data

• Self-report data can be measured using scales to measure an underlying construct.
• Scales can be numerical, explicit, or implicit.
• Likert scales are commonly used in psychology, with a range of 5-7 points.

Sensitivity of the Measure

• It's essential to include people's ideas and avoid all-or-nothing items.
• People can only reasonably distinguish between about 7 levels.

Errors in Self-Report Measures

• Laziness is a significant issue in self-report measures.
• Truthfulness can be affected by self-knowledge, social desirability, and the halo effect.
• Demand characteristics can lead to participants providing "good" responses.
• Acquiescence bias can be addressed by including reverse-coded items.
• Central tendency bias can be mitigated by not having a neutral option.
• Misrepresentation is a significant issue and should be avoided by being truthful.

Test your knowledge on the differences between theoretical and operational definitions. Explore how abstract concepts are defined conceptually compared to how they are defined by specific operations or measurements.