DEFINITION OF TERMS

Definition of terms - is a section in a research study where important terms or concepts used are defined either
conceptually, or operationally or both. ‘It works just like a glossary’. It is usually placed on the last part of Chapter 1.

The terms in this section arranged alphabetically and should be defined (conceptually) and/or operationally. Also, key
terms are usually taken from the research title and constructs and variables found in your statement of the problem.

TWO WAYS TO DEFINE KEY TERMS:

1.CONCEPTUAL/THEORETICAL DEFINITION - gives meaning to the concept or construct under investigation. It is a

definition outlining the basic principles underlying a term. In research the conceptual or theoretical definition is also
contextualized to the field of interest or to the discipline.
Sources for your conceptual definition may be taken from encyclopedias,books,magazines,newspaper articles and
other publications.( Note avoid lexical definition of a term or how the term is defined in the dictionary. This is
because lexical definitions tend to be very general or broad.)
Example: Chocolate cake is conceptually defined as a cake flavored with melted chocolate or chocolate powder
(Hickeringill, 1708.)
2. OPERATIONAL DEFINITION - refers to a specific definition of a concept or term as being used in a research study. It
defines a concept solely in terms of the operations (methods) used to produce or measure it. Operational definitions
help researchers to communicate about their ideas effectively.

TWO TYPES OF OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

1. Experimental operational definition describes how a term’s reference are measured.

Example: Chocolate cake will be described based on the recipe to make it.

”As used in this study, chocolate cake will be made of 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder,
2 cups sugar, etc.

2. Measured operational definition describes how referents of a term are measured.

Example: Chocolate cake will consist of the description of the flavor, texture, appearance and other properties of
cake.

“In this study, chocolate cake will have a batter which is very thin and a melt-in-the mouth texture.

GUIDELINES IN GIVING OPERQATIONAL DEFINITION:

1.Have a clear understanding of the concept focused on by your study before you begin defining such concept
operationally.

2.Base your operational definition on the concept under your study.

3.Express the operational definition in only one sentence.

4.Let the operational definition explain the measurement of variable clearly.

5.Make an operational definition that other researchers can understand, and repeat in other studies.