Unit 8: Theory…and Research…and Methods (oh my!)

31 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:

    1. A conceptual definition
    2. 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)

 

 


  1.  
    This test is also available in the following languages:

    Gender Coordinates Test

    Based on the work of Heilman and Peus

    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. What are your gender coordinates? For each of the following characteristics, indicate how strongly it applies to you below.

    Question 1 of 35

    I am...

    Self-confident

    Disagree
    Agree
    "The IDRlabs Gender Coordinates Test (IDR-GCT) was developed by IDRlabs. The IDR-GCT is based on the work of Dr. Hentschel, Dr. Heilman, and Dr. Peus who authored the paper on multidimensional gender identities, and takes a current look at men’s and women’s characterizations of others and themselves. The IDR-GCT is not associated with any specific researchers in the field of social psychology or any affiliated research institutions. The IDRlabs Gender Coordinates Test was informed by the following studies: Donnelly & Twenge (2016): Masculine and Feminine Traits on the Bem Sex-Role Inventory, 1993–2012: a Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis. Sex Roles. Hentschel, T., Heilman, M. E., & Peus, C. V. (2019). The multiple dimensions of gender stereotypes: A current look at men's and women's characterizations of others and themselves. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(JAN), [11]. Robinson, Shaver & Wrightsman (2013): Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes: Measures of Social Psychological Attitudes. Academic Press. The multidimensional framework to assess gender stereotypes, which was utilized by Dr. Hentschel, Dr. Heilman, and Dr. Peus, has also informed the IDR-GCT. The present test is intended for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and the present IDRlabs Gender Coordinates Test are independent of the above researchers, organizations, or their affiliated institutions. The Gender Coordinates Test is based on a recent investigation of the current state of gender conceptions about men and women. However, free online tests and quizzes such as this one are solely first takes and cannot provide accurate assessments of your traits. Hence, the test is intended to be used for educational purposes only. A definitive gender-identity assessment can be made only by the person in question (i.e., oneself). As the publishers of this free Gender Coordinates Test, which allows you to evaluate how you are being characterized regarding your masculinity or femininity, we have strived to make the test as reliable and valid as possible by subjecting this test to statistical controls and validation. However, free online quizzes such as the present Gender Coordinates Test do not provide professional assessments or recommendations of any kind; the test is provided entirely “as-is.” For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service." As a reminder, the above quote is straight-up pasted from the following link: https://www.idrlabs.com/gender-coordinates/test.php
  2. "Drawing on the work of Dr. Sandra Lipsitz Bem, this test classifies your personality as masculine or feminine. Though gender stereotyping is controversial, it is important to note that Bem's work has been tested in several countries and has repeatedly been shown to have high levels of validity and test-retest reliability. The test exclusively tests for immanent conceptions of gender (meaning that it doesn't theorize about whether gender roles are biological, cultural, or both). Consequently, the test has been used both by feminists as an instrument of cultural criticism and by gender traditionalists who seek to confirm that gender roles are natural and heritable."

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