Operational Definition

Definition

An operational definition is a clear and specific definition of a concept or variable in terms of the procedures used to measure or manipulate it. It outlines how a particular construct will be observed, measured, or manipulated in a study.

Related terms

Reliability:

The consistency or repeatability of measurements or observations.

Validity:

The extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure.

Independent Variable:

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.