An operational definition is a result of the process of operationalization and is used to define something (e.g. a variable, term, or object) in terms of a process (or set of validation tests) needed to determine its existence, duration, and quantity.
The operational definition of an empirical term (i.e., a descriptor of some element of physical experience) is the description of a specific process, or set of validation tests, accessible to more persons than the definer (i.e., said to be publicly accessible), whereby it is (or can be) repeatedly measured or tested. This is especially so in the sciences, where most (if not all) formal definitions (as distinct from arbitrary naming) must be operational definitions or traceable to operational definitions. Operational definitions are particularly important in the physical sciences. The procedures included in definitions should be repeatable by anyone or at least by peers. An example of operational definition of the term weight of an object, operationalized to a degree, would be the following: weight is the numbers that appear when that object is placed on a weighing scale . The most operational definition is a process for identification of an object by distinguishing it from its background of empirical experience. The binary version produces either the result that the object exists, or that it doesn't, in the experiential field to which it is applied. For example, the weight of an object may be operationally defined by describing the operations of using a balance and standard weights. (Note that it is not the specific weight of the specific object which is operationally defined, but the process for arriving at it. This is especially so in the sciences, where most (if not all) formal definitions (as distinct from arbitrary naming) must be operational definitions or traceable to operational definitions. Operational definitions are particularly important in the physical sciences. Rating Newest Oldest. Best Answer: An operational definition is a very specific definition used in an experiment, to ensure that all of the researchers collecting data are watching for the same thing. Say you are doing an experiment on altruism where you pretend to trip down some stairs or something and to see if people help you. The word help needs to be operationally defined. It could be only when people help you up, or it could be if people just offer to help and ask if you are OK. Either one of these is an operational definition. Therefore, weight of an object labels an operational definition which is a nonspecific process.) But an historical event (e.g., the process of taking my weight last Tuesday) cannot be an operational definition because it cannot be repeated. This is especially so in the sciences, where most (if not all) formal definitions (as distinct from arbitrary naming) must be operational definitions or traceable to operational definitions. Operational definitions are particularly important in the physical sciences. Everyone who has taken an undergraduate methodology course in psychology 'knows' what an operational definition is. It is practically an article of faith among psychologists that in order to conduct empirical research each of the variables under study must first be operationally defined. Operational definition is a myth, a remnant of an obsolete philosophy of science, but a myth that commands the allegiance of most psychologists. . . . But removed from its historical context and stripped of its philosophical justification, operationism became a talisman and 'operational definition' a liturgical phrase. And a 'nonspecific' physical brick (or even a 'nonspecific' physical photograph of a brick) may be operationally defined by the description of the process for making it. But the substance 'iron' may be operationally defined by a set of measurements or tests. This is especially so in the sciences, where most (if not all) formal definitions (as distinct from arbitrary naming) must be operational definitions or traceable to operational definitions. Operational definitions are particularly important in the physical sciences. Operational definition. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. An operational definition is a result of the process of operationalization and is used to define something (e.g. a variable, term, or object) in terms of a process (or set of validation tests) needed to determine its existence, duration, and quantity. The most operational definition is a process for identification of an object by distinguishing it from its background of empirical experience. The binary version produces either the result that the object exists, or that it doesn't, in the experiential field to which it is applied. Operational Definitions. To test an idea, one must gather data. This means one must relate ideas to concrete, measurable events in the world. That is why scientists need operational definitions, which are definitions that tell how to measure or detect something. 
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