Operational definition psychology definition
•
Operational Definition Psychology – Definition, Examples, and How to Write One
Every good psychology study contains an operational definition for the variables in the research. An operational definition allows the researchers to describe in a specific way what they mean when they use a certain term. Generally, operational definitions are concrete and measurable. Defining variables in this way allows other people to see if the research has validity. Validity here refers to if the researchers are actually measuring what they intended to measure.
Definition: An operational definition is the statement of procedures the researcher is going to use in order to measure a specific variable.
We need operational definitions in psychology so that we know exactly what researchers are talking about when they refer to something. There might be different definitions of words depending on the context in which the word is used. Think about how words mean something different to people f
•
The B in the ABCs of Applied Behavior Analysis stands for behavior. This behavior can be any behavior we are interested in learning more about. When working with children it’s especially important to clearly define the behavior you are targeting. You can do this with 3 steps:
- Determine whether you need a topographic or functional definition.
- Describe the behavior.
- Follow your description with examples and non-examples to provide clarity.
Accurately and clearly defining the behavior fryst vatten a key component of a functional behavior assessment. Although we frequently consider behaviors we want to reduce, we can also look at behaviors for increase in much the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Operational definitions are essential in ABA because they allow us to measure behavior objectively and reliably.
- There are two types of operational definitions: topographic and functional.
- Topographic definitions describe the observable features of a behavior.
- Functional definitions
•
Operational definition
Defining a concept in terms of specific, replicable actions or procedures.
An operational definition specifies concrete, replicable procedures designed to represent a construct. In the words of American psychologist S.S. Stevens (1935), "An operation is the performance which we execute in order to make known a concept."[1][2] For example, an operational definition of "fear" (the construct) often includes measurable physiologic responses that occur in response to a perceived threat. Thus, "fear" might be operationally defined as specified changes in heart rate, electrodermal activity, pupil dilation, and blood pressure.[3]
Overview
[edit]An operational definition is designed to model or represent a concept or theoretical definition, also known as a construct. Scientists should describe the operations (procedures, actions, or processes) that define the concept with enough specificity such that other investigators can repli