English 10

Technical and Operational

Definitions
Objective:

Give technical and

operational definitions
 Definition is a statement that
explains and/or describes the meaning
Unlocking of a word or a phrase in a clear,
Definition complete, and exact manner.
In the English language a word
could have more than one meaning
depending on the use and context to
which the word is applied. See the
illustration below to better understand
the concept.
Take a look…
In the illustration, the word “SLAY” is used in two
sentences which depict two different contexts.
This may trigger ambiguity and confusion on the part
of the readers.
Providing a clear and accurate definition is
needed to guide the readers in understanding
the meaning of the given word.
In technical writing, there are two ways
to define a term:
1. Technical Definition – describes and explains the meaning of a word or phrase
based on the general references and other field of study sources.
Example: Slay means to kill violently or in great numbers.

2. Operational Definition – states and explains the meaning

of a word or phrase based on specific context. In terms of
research, operational definition explains or describes how the
term is applied and measured in the study.
Example: Slay refers to a condition by which an
activity or performance is done in an excellent manner.
 • These two types of definition also
Two Ways to apply in writing a research paper.
Define a Term
• Researchers are required to
accomplish the ‘definition of terms’
which contains the significant
keywords and variables included in
the research defined constitutively and
operationally.
 Learning Task 1:
Directions: Match the terms in Column A to its appropriate
technical definition in Column B.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Reflection A. a standard or unit of measurement
2. Interest B. the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3. Module C. a series of thoughts, images or emotions occurring during sleep
4. Dream D. a table listing important events for successive years within a
5. Timeline particular historical period
6. Solution E. a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to something or
7. Terminal someone
F. a passenger station that is central to a considerable area
G. a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation
 Learning Task 1:
Directions: Match the terms in Column A to its appropriate
technical definition in Column B.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Reflection –B A. a standard or unit of measurement
2. Interest –E B. the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3. Module –A C. a series of thoughts, images or emotions occurring during sleep
4. Dream –C D. a table listing important events for successive years within a
5. Timeline –D particular historical period
6. Solution –G E. a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to something or
7. Terminal –F someone
F. a passenger station that is central to a considerable area
G. a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation
 Learning Task 2:
Directions: In your own words, define the highlighted
terms operationally based on how they are used in the
sentences below.
1. Elena answers the questions given in the reflection part of their learning material.
2. Danilo paid for his new cellphone in six installments with zero interest.
3. Grade 10 students should follow their schedule in submitting their modules.
4. Jose aims to fulfill his dream of becoming a successful architect.
5. Andeng has a habit of checking her Facebook timeline from time to time.
6. Belen cannot sleep as she thinks for the possible solution to solve her family’s
financial problem.
7. Ronaldo has been diagnosed with terminal illness.
 Assessment
Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Write TECHNICAL if the
statement is true and OPERATIONAL if the statement is false. Then, underline the
word or phrase which made the statement incorrect.
_________1. Definitions guide readers to understand the thought and idea presented in any material.
_________2. Technical definitions are created to create clarity and avoid confusion on the part of the readers.
_________3. Operational definitions contain reliable and specific meaning of a word or phrase based on general references.
_________4. Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. The sample
definition is technical.
_________5. A tantrum could include any time a child falls to the floor, cries, kicks, and screams in response to his or her
denied request from his or her mother at the theme park. The sample definition is operational.
_________6. Operational definitions are essential in writing a research. This ensures that the readers as well as other
researchers would clearly understand the variables used in the study.
_________7. In accomplishing the definition of terms in a research paper, the researcher is required to define the term
conceptually and constitutively.
_________8. Definition is the basis and key component in establishing clarity and accuracy of content in any material across
different fields and disciplines.
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