Unit 10: Measurement Matters.
46 Variables; Operational and Conceptual Definitions
Listen, this whole “conceptual and operational definition” stuff might seem painfully boring but it’s actually one of the most useful Superpowers in your SYBI toolbox. The disconnect between the actual concept, the conceptual definition, and the operational definition is more prevalent than you think! And the disconnect between the scholar’s ConceptConceptualDefinitionOperationalDefinition and the average journalist’s perception? Oi ve! It’s enough to make you want to laterally read EVERYTHING that comes your way. At least, I hope it does.
Let’s start in nice and slow and think about what are variables anyway? Student textbook authors: Take it away!
Learning Objectives
What is a variable?
Variables; Operational and Conceptual Definitions
Many of you have probably heard of or know what a variable from other classes like algebra. Variables are important in research because they help define and measure what is being researched. In this unit you should be able to define a variable and know the two main components of variable.
What is a variable?
Variables in social scientific research are similar to what you have learned in math classes, meaning they change depending on another element.
There are two components of a variable:
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- A conceptual definition
- An operational definition
Conceptual Definitions- How we define something. It is the foundation of your research question because you must know what something is before you study its’ impact.
Example: How do Americans define the term freedom?
Operational Definitions- How we measure the variable. This is what you would typically think of when asked about the relationship between research and the research question. It relies on the conceptual definition.
Example: How do we measure what it means to have freedom?
Find the variables memory game.
Link to the “test” I mention in the video below:
https://www.idrlabs.com/gender-coordinates/test.php
“Researchers H. Heilman, Ph.D. and C. Peus, Ph.D. used a multidimensional framework to assess how people view men and women respectively. Their research results found that men and women consistently ascribe the same characteristics to each gender.”
Give it a whirl, take the “test.” What do YOU think about how they have operationalized the concept of gender?
Humor me and read the information below the start of the questions when you visit that link[1].
This second link takes you to a different test but of the same basic concept. This is the one I referenced as “Bem’s Sex Role Inventory[2].” https://www.idrlabs.com/gender/test.php
Ok, so take this one too (it really doesn’t take long, I promise). What do you think about the questions? Did you “score” the same? If not, why do you think that is? What does that say about operationalizing the concept? In future chapters I’ll ask you to think about what this would say about results and implications! I know – you are so excited!!
Also. Was not exaggerating my results:
First image is coordinates (IN the blue box), second is Bem’s (under the blue box)
