Chapter 3.1 Constructs and Operational Definition

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

In behavioral sciences, a theory is a set of statements about the mechanisms underlying a particular behavior. A good theory generates predictions about the behavior

Question 2

Construct

Answer 2

are hypothetical attributes or mechanisms that help explain and predict behavior in a theory. External stimulus can affect constructs and constructs can affect external behavior. Constructs such as anxiety, motivation. May not be observed or measured directly but it is possible to observe factors that influnce constructs or the behaviors influenced by the constructs.

Question 3

Operational Definition

Answer 3

is a procedure for indirectly measuring and defining a variable cannot be observed or measured directly

Question 4

Operational Definition specifies

Answer 4

a measurement procedure for measuring an external, observable behavior and uses the resulting measurements as a definition and a measurement of a hypothetical construct. Such as IQ test measuring intelligence.

Question 5

Limitations of Operational Definition 1

Answer 5

It is not the same as the construct itself. There are always concerns about the quality of operational definition and the measurements they produce.

Question 6

Limitations of Operational Definition 2

Answer 6

There is not one-to one relationship between the variable that is being measured and the actual measurements produced by the operational definition. Measuring knowledge by test or exam

Question 7

Limitations of Operational Definition 3

Answer 7

It is easy for operational definitions to leave out important components of a construct. Including multiple procedure is the solution.

Question 8

Limitations of Operational Definition 4

Answer 8

Operational definitions often include extra components that are not the part of the construct being measured.

Question 9

Using Operational definition

Answer 9

The best method of determining how a variable should be measured is the consult previous research involving the same variable. Research reports typically describe how each variable is defined and measured