Definition of Terms

One of the first things a researcher would do in their study is to define important terms.
This is done to know their meanings and communicate the said meanings to the readers.
Sometimes the real meaning of a term is not understood in the study because it probably is very
abstract. In this case, the operational definition of terms is necessary.

Conceptual Definitions
The conceptual definition refers to the definition found in dictionaries. It is the universal
meaning given to a word or group of words and the meaning understood by many people. It is
however more abstract and more formal than the operational definition. Example: Motivation -
Something that causes a person to act (Webster, 2004).

Operational or Functional Definitions

This refers to the specific way or the meaning used in your study. If in your study you
will use an instrument to measure interest, then your definition of interest will depend on what
the test will measure. At any rate, it is that definition that operates or functions in your study.
Example: Motivation - The ability of a student to accomplish his/her tasks on time.

Types of Operational Definitions (Tomey, 2004):

1. Denotative Definition. Variables or concepts are defined in terms of what the concept is
or what it represents.
Example: Father - a male parent

2. Connotative Definition. Variables are defined according to implications or associations

one might make with the variable/s. It suggests what one might think when considering
the term.
Example: Father - head of the family, provider