DEFINITION OF TERMS || PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

WOW MATH

24 Oct 202106:43

Summary

TLDRThis video lesson instructs on defining key terms in research studies to ensure a shared understanding among readers. It outlines two types of definitions: conceptual, which is akin to textbook or dictionary definitions and often quoted from literature; and operational, which specifies how a concept is measured in a study. The video uses an example of a research title to illustrate operational definitions of terms like 'approach' and variables, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in research.

Takeaways

📚 **Define Key Terms Upfront**: It's important to define key terms in your research at the beginning to ensure everyone has a shared understanding.
🔍 **Find Definitions by Reading**: Look for definitions in existing literature to understand how terms are commonly defined in your field.
📈 **Conceptual Definition**: This is the scientific definition of a concept, often found in textbooks or dictionaries, and is used to systematically measure a variable or construct.
🔧 **Operational Definition**: This defines a concept in terms of the methods used to measure it, ensuring a clear and agreed-upon definition for research purposes.
📝 **Cite Conceptual Definitions**: When presenting a conceptual definition, it should be quoted verbatim with the reference and page number.
🤔 **Multiple Conceptual Definitions**: Be aware that there might be more than one conceptual definition for a construct, and it's important to consider these variations.
📊 **Operational Definition Clarity**: Having an operational definition helps prevent disagreements about the meaning of concepts within a study.
📋 **Communication Tool**: Operational definitions facilitate clear communication among researchers about the concepts they are studying.
📖 **Example in Research Title**: The script provides an example of defining terms in the context of a research title about an approach and its effect on mathematics proficiency.
👨‍🏫 **Structure of Definition**: It's recommended to write a short introductory statement followed by the operational definitions of the terms in alphabetical order.

Q & A

What is the purpose of defining terms in a research study?
-Defining terms in a research study is essential to ensure that all participants have a shared understanding of key concepts, which helps in the systematic measurement and communication of those concepts.
According to the video, where can one find ideas for definitions in their research?
-One can find ideas for definitions by reading around the topic, which includes reviewing literature and consulting textbooks or dictionaries.
What is the difference between a conceptual definition and an operational definition?
-A conceptual definition is a general explanation of a concept, often found in textbooks or dictionaries, while an operational definition specifies how a concept will be measured or observed in a specific research study.
Why is it important to present a conceptual definition word for word with the associated reference and page number?
-Presenting a conceptual definition word for word with the associated reference and page number ensures academic integrity and allows readers to trace the source of the definition for further understanding.
Can there be more than one conceptual definition for a construct?
-Yes, there can be more than one conceptual definition for a construct, which is why it's important to specify which definition is being used in a particular research study.
What role does an operational definition play in a research study?
-An operational definition plays a crucial role in a research study by defining a concept in terms of the methods used to measure it, which helps in the standardization and replication of the research.
How does an operational definition help in research communication?
-An operational definition helps in research communication by providing a clear, agreed-upon definition of concepts, which reduces ambiguity and facilitates consistent discussions among researchers.
What is the significance of defining terms alphabetically in a research study?
-Defining terms alphabetically in a research study provides a systematic and organized way to present the definitions, making it easier for readers to locate and understand each term.
Why is it necessary to define independent and dependent variables in a research study?
-Defining independent and dependent variables is necessary because these are the key components of an experiment. The independent variable is what the researcher manipulates, and the dependent variable is what is measured to observe the effect of the independent variable.
What is the role of the research title in defining terms?
-The research title often includes key terms that need to be defined to provide context and clarity for the reader, ensuring that the scope and focus of the study are well understood.
How can defining terms help in learning and understanding a research study?
-Defining terms helps in learning and understanding a research study by providing clear and precise meanings of the concepts used, which is crucial for grasping the study's methodology, results, and implications.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Understanding Definition of Terms in Research

This paragraph introduces the importance of defining key terms in research studies to establish a common understanding among researchers and readers. It explains the two types of definitions: conceptual and operational. Conceptual definitions are derived from textbooks or dictionaries and are often presented verbatim with references. Operational definitions, on the other hand, describe how a concept is measured or observed in a study. The paragraph also provides an example of defining terms in a research title, emphasizing the clarity these definitions bring to research communication.

05:04

📝 Structuring the Definition of Terms Section

The second paragraph focuses on the practical aspect of writing the definition of terms section in a research paper. It suggests starting with an introductory statement to set the context for the definitions that follow. The paragraph advises listing the terms in alphabetical order, with a special emphasis on defining independent and dependent variables. It concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, and enabling notifications for more educational videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Definition of Terms

The 'Definition of Terms' refers to the process of clearly stating the meanings of specific words or phrases that are central to a research study. In the context of the video, it is emphasized that defining key terms upfront is crucial for establishing a shared understanding among researchers and readers. The script mentions that definitions can be found by reading around the topic, suggesting that a thorough literature review is part of this process.

💡Conceptual Definition

A 'Conceptual Definition' is a scientific explanation of a specific concept or variable that is used in research. It is likened to a textbook definition and is often presented word-for-word from a source, complete with reference and page number. The video script uses this term to illustrate how a concept is generally understood within a field of study before it is adapted for specific research purposes.

💡Operational Definition

An 'Operational Definition' is a definition that specifies the operations or methods used to measure a concept. It is critical in research as it provides a clear, agreed-upon method for what can often be abstract concepts. The video script explains that once an operational definition is decided upon for a research study, it eliminates ambiguity and facilitates clear communication among researchers about the concepts they are studying.

💡Research Study

A 'Research Study' is a systematic investigation to establish facts through observation and analysis. The video script discusses how defining terms is a key part of setting up a research study, ensuring that all parties have a clear and shared understanding of the concepts being examined.

💡Shared Understanding

'Shared Understanding' is a mutual agreement on the meaning of terms or concepts among a group of people, such as researchers. The video emphasizes the importance of establishing a shared understanding to ensure that all participants in a research project are on the same page regarding the definitions and interpretations of key terms.

💡Literature Base

The 'Literature Base' refers to the existing body of written work, such as books, articles, and papers, on a particular subject. The script mentions that conceptual definitions are often sourced from the literature base, indicating that researchers rely on previous scholarly work to form their own definitions.

💡Construct

A 'Construct' in research is an abstract concept that is not directly observable but is inferred from measurable variables. The video script discusses how constructs must be operationally defined to be measured systematically, highlighting the necessity of translating abstract ideas into measurable entities.

💡Measurement

'Measurement' in the context of the video refers to the process of assigning numbers or symbols to objects or events according to certain rules. It is integral to the operational definition, as it is through measurement that researchers can quantify and analyze their constructs.

💡Research Title

The 'Research Title' is the name given to a research study, which should succinctly convey the study's focus. The video script uses the research title as a starting point for defining terms, suggesting that the title encapsulates the key concepts that need to be clearly defined for the study.

💡Independent and Dependent Variable

In research, 'Independent Variables' are the factors that are manipulated or changed by the researcher, while 'Dependent Variables' are the outcomes that are measured to observe the effects of the independent variables. The video script mentions the importance of defining these variables to ensure that the study's methodology is clear and replicable.

💡Alphabetical Order

'Alphabetical Order' is a method of arranging words or terms in the sequence of the alphabet. The video script suggests organizing terms in alphabetical order for clarity and ease of reference, which is a common practice in academic writing to present definitions systematically.

Highlights

Discussing how to write the definition of terms in research studies

Definition of terms is crucial for shared understanding in research

Key terms should be defined upfront in a research study

Definitions can be found by reading around the topic

Two ways of defining terms: conceptual and operational

Conceptual definition involves scientifically defining a concept

Conceptual definition is often the textbook or dictionary definition

Operational definition defines a concept in terms of methods used to measure it

Operational definition helps researchers communicate about their concepts

Conceptual definitions should be presented word for word with reference

Operational definitions are based on the operations to produce and measure a concept

Example of a research title involving the FACE approach and mathematics proficiency

Writing a short introductory statement for better understanding

Defining terms operationally in research

Inclusion of independent and dependent variables in research terms

Organizing terms in alphabetical order for clarity

Encouragement to like, subscribe, and hit the bell button for more tutorials

Guide for learning and research provided by the Walmart channel