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09-Measurement of Variables - Operational Definition

This document discusses operational definitions and measuring variables. It explains that variables can be either objectively measured or more abstract and subjective. To measure abstract concepts, they must be operationally defined by reducing them to their measurable behavioral dimensions. The objectives are to explain how variables are measured, when operationalization is necessary, and how to operationally define abstract variables. The document provides an example and concludes with a summary.

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V Amelia Sirait
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30 views11 pages

09-Measurement of Variables - Operational Definition

This document discusses operational definitions and measuring variables. It explains that variables can be either objectively measured or more abstract and subjective. To measure abstract concepts, they must be operationally defined by reducing them to their measurable behavioral dimensions. The objectives are to explain how variables are measured, when operationalization is necessary, and how to operationally define abstract variables. The document provides an example and concludes with a summary.

Uploaded by

V Amelia Sirait
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Measurement of Variables:

Operational Definition
Overview
• To pinpoint the need to operationally define variables.
• To highlight the importance of identifying the dimensions, and
later during discussions of content validity, to reconnect the
dimensions of a concept to the establishment of its content
validity.

2
Objectives
• After completing this unit, you should be able to:
• Explain how variables are measured.
• Explain when operationalization of variables is necessary
• Operationally define (or operationalize) abstract and subjective variables

3
Contents
• How variables are measured
• Operational definition

4
Measurement

• Measurement: the assignment of numbers or other symbols to


characteristics (or attributes) of objects according to a pre-
specified set of rules.

5
(Characteristics of) Objects
• Objects include persons, strategic business units, companies,
countries, kitchen appliances, restaurants, shampoo, yogurt and so
on.
• Examples of characteristics of objects are arousal seeking tendency,
achievement motivation, organizational effectiveness, shopping
enjoyment, length, weight, ethnic diversity, service quality,
conditioning effects and taste.

6
Types of Variables

• Two types of variables:


• One lends itself to objective and precise
measurement;
• The other is more nebulous and does not
lend itself to accurate measurement
because of its abstract and subjective
nature.

7
Operationalizing Concepts

• Operationalizing concepts: reduction of abstract concepts to


render them measurable in a tangible way.

• Operationalizing is done by looking at the behavioral dimensions,


facets, or properties denoted by the concept.

8
Example

9
Unit Summary
• You should now be able to:
• Explain how variables are measured.
• Explain when operationalization of variables is necessary
• Operationally define (or operationalize) abstract and subjective variables

10
Question & Answers

11

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