what is an operational definition

An operational definition is a clear, concise, and detailed definition of a measure used during data collection. It specifies concrete, replicable procedures designed to represent a construct or theoretical definition, also known as a construct. Operational definitions are designed to model or represent a concept with enough specificity such that other investigators can replicate the research. When collecting data, it is essential that everyone in the system has the same understanding and collects data in the same way, so operational definitions should be made before the collection of data begins. Operational definitions are also used to define system states in terms of a specific, publicly accessible process of preparation or validation testing. For example, 100 degrees Celsius may be operationally defined as the process of heating water at sea level until it is observed to boil. It is important to test the operational definition before implementation, and input from those who will complete the tests is particularly important. The operational definition should make the task clear and easy to perform, and the best way to test an operational definition is to ask different people to complete the test on several items by following the operational definition.