Operational Definition
Definition
A precise explanation of how a concept will be measured in a study.
Example
A researcher is attempting to identify the factors that contribute to happiness. Since happiness is an abstract concept, it is a construct that needs to be explicitly defined in order to study it.
This is done by creating an operational definition such as "Happiness is defined according to scores on the Subjective Happiness scale, with scores of 22-28 indicating a high level of happiness."
Why It Matters
Operational definitions help turn big ideas into something measurable. Without them, abstract concepts like happiness, stress, or motivation would be too vague to study. A clear operational definition keeps research focused, consistent, and easier to replicate — all of which are key to good science.