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Chapter 4 - Measurement of Variables (Operational Definition)

The document discusses measurement of variables in research, which involves assigning numbers or symbols to characteristics of objects according to rules. It differentiates between objective and subjective variables, and explains operationalizing concepts by reducing abstract concepts to measurable behaviors. Operationalizing achievement motivation involves identifying its key dimensions like being driven by work and seeking feedback.

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69 views8 pages

Chapter 4 - Measurement of Variables (Operational Definition)

The document discusses measurement of variables in research, which involves assigning numbers or symbols to characteristics of objects according to rules. It differentiates between objective and subjective variables, and explains operationalizing concepts by reducing abstract concepts to measurable behaviors. Operationalizing achievement motivation involves identifying its key dimensions like being driven by work and seeking feedback.

Uploaded by

hairi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Topic 5

Measurement of
Variables: Operational
Definition

1
 Measurement of variables in the  Objects include persons, strategic
theoretical framework/academic construct business units, companies,
is a key aspect of research and an countries, kitchen appliances,
important aspect of research design. restaurants, shampoo, yogurt and so
on.
 If these variables are not measured in
some way you will not be able to answer  Examples of characteristics of
your research problem/test hypothesis. objects are achievement motivation,
organizational effectiveness,
 shopping enjoyment, weight, ethnic
Measurement means assigning numbers
diversity, service quality, customer
or other symbols to characteristics ( or
satisfaction, store patronage.
attributes) of objects according to certain
pre-specified rules.
Measurement means assigning numbers or other symbols to characteristics ( or
attributes) of objects according to certain pre-specified rules.

– One-to-one correspondence between the numbers and the characteristics


being measured.
– The rules for assigning numbers should be standardized and applied
uniformly.
– Rules must not change over objects or time.
Types of Variables:
Objective vs Subjective
Objective variables Subjective variable

 Two types of variables:  The other is more nebulous and


does not lend itself to accurate
measurement because of its
 One lends itself to objective and
abstract and subjective nature.
precise measurement
 Although there is lack of physical
measuring device, there are ways
 Eg. human psychological of tapping the subjective feelings
phenomena such as blood and perceptions of individuals.
pressure, pulse rate and body  One such technique is to reduce
temperature and the abstract concepts such as
 Eg. physical attributes such as satisfaction, motivation,
height and weight involvement, buyer behaviour to
observable behaviour and
characteristics
 Operationalizing concepts: reduction of abstract
concepts to render them measurable in a tangible
way.

 Operationalizing is done by looking at the


behavioural dimensions, facets, or properties
denoted by the concept.

5
Operationalizing: Achievement
Motivation
 What are the behavioral dimensions, facets or characteristics we
expect to find in people with high achievement motivation?

 Typically they have 5 broad characteristics called dimensions:


i. Driven by work
ii. Unable to relax
iii. Impatience with ineffectiveness
iv. Seeks moderate challenge
v. Seeks feedback
Example

7
 When reviewing literature in a given area, take note of
the reference that discusses the instrument used to tap
the concept in the study and READ IT!!

 The article will tell you when the measure was


developed, by whom and how long it has been in use.

 Only well developed instrument which has been


carefully operationalized will be accepted and
frequently used by researchers.

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