Operational Definition

An operational definition is a definition stated in terms of specific criteria for testing or measurement. These terms must refer to empirical standards (i.e., we must be able to count, measure, or in some other way gather the information through our senses). Whether the object to be defined is physical (e.g., a can of soup) or highly abstract (e.g., achievement motivation), the definition must specify the characteristics and how they are to be observed. The specifications and procedures must be so clear that any competent person using them would classify the object in the same way.

• Concept (Dictionary Entry)

• Construct (Dictionary Entry)

• Repeatability (Dictionary Entry)

• Reproducibility (Dictionary Entry)