An operational definition specifies how a concept is measured or manipulated within a particular study. It transforms abstract, theoretical constructs into concrete, observable events. For example, instead of generally studying “aggression,” a researcher might define it operationally as “the number of times a participant pushes a button that delivers a mild electric shock to another person.” Similarly, “memory” might be defined as “the number of words recalled correctly from a list presented earlier.” These definitions provide clarity and allow for replication.
The use of specific, measurable definitions enhances the rigor and objectivity of research. It ensures that different researchers can understand and reproduce the studys methodology. This improves the reliability and validity of findings. Historically, the move towards these types of concrete descriptions stemmed from a desire to make psychological research more scientific and less reliant on subjective interpretations.