G10 Definitions: Technical and Operational

Question 1

is an explanation or description of
vocabulary terms that make communication in a specific field
easier to understand. It may be used to explain a technical
terminology or concept to someone who is unfamiliar with or
has a little knowledge of it. It is essential in any academic or
research paper.

Answer 1

technical definition

Question 2

These are short descriptions that may be a synonym or an alternative phrase that is
placed after the term being defined. These may be enclosed in parentheses or set off
by commas.

Answer 2

Parenthetical definitions

Question 3

These usually appear in a glossary, within the text, or in margin notes. Most
_ _ introduce the term, give its category, and cite its distinguishing
features.

Answer 3

Sentence definitions

Question 4

These are used when a term has to be explained in great detail. This kind of definition
may be a few sentences but can also be several pages long. _ _ are
usually used in textbooks, encyclopedias, and wiki sites

Answer 4

Extended definitions

Question 5

defines something in terms of a
process that it undergoes to determine its existence,
quantity, and duration. This is constructed based on the
observational characteristics of that which is being
defined. An _ _ also defines something
(e.g. variable, item, or object) in terms of the specific process
in which it was involved.

Answer 5

operational definition

Question 6

states how the term is used in a particular study

Question 7

states how the term is used in a particular study

Answer 7

operational definition

Question 8

This type of operational definition can be constructed by stating the operations or
actions that need to be performed in order to cause a phenomenon or state to occur.

Answer 8

Type A Operational Definition

Question 9

This type of operational definition can be constructed by describing how a particular
thing operates.

Answer 9

Type B Operational Definition

Question 10

This type can be constructed by stating what a phenomenon or object looks like. This
involves stating its static characteristics.

Answer 10

Type C Operational Definition

Question 11

does not have to be a single type

Question 12

A. Identify the category a term belongs in.
Classify the term appropriately. Remember that the narrower the category, the clearer
the meaning becomes. For example, instead of classifying Asperger’s Syndrome as a
disorder, it would be better to classify it as a type of autism spectrum disorder that
affects an individual’s social skills.
B. Identify its distinct parts and characteristics.
Make sure to state what distinguishes it from others that may be of the same category.
For example, when defining what a smartphone is, you have to state what makes it
different from a cell phone that is not categorized as a smartphone.
C. Identify its functions.
State what something is used for in order for readers to have a more specific idea of
how the object works. For instance, when defining a wind vane, you have to state its
purpose.
D. State what it is not.
When something can be mistaken as something else, it may be helpful to state what it
is not or what it cannot do. For instance, when defining room thermometer, it may be
helpful to state that it is not used for taking one’s body temperature.

Question 13

Identify the category a term belongs in.
Identify its distinct parts and characteristics.
Identify its functions.
State what it is not.

Answer 13

Guidelines in Writing Technical Definitions

Question 14

A. Identify the means of measuring the term based on the study you are conducting.
If you are constructing the operational definition for a research, then you would need
to identify how the term is measured in the study.
B. Identify what can be done to cause the phenomenon to occur or to induce a
particular state.
This step is the one you need to observe in order to construct a type A operational
definition.
C. State how the thing works or how the particular phenomenon functions.
In order to write the type B operational definition, you must be able to identify the
functions the particular word being defined has based on the context of the study.
D. Describe the object or phenomenon.
To make the meaning of the word more distinct, state the static characteristics that
separate it from the other objects that fall in the same category. This would help in
clearing up any ambiguity.

Question 15

Identify the means of measuring the term based on the study you are conducting.
Identify what can be done to cause the phenomenon to occur or to induce a
particular state.
State how the thing works or how the particular phenomenon functions.
Describe the object or phenomenon.

Answer 15

Guidelines in Writing Operational Definitions

Question 16

Do not use circular definitions.
Use simple and familiar terms.
Use the third-person point of view.
Avoid informal language.
Avoid contractions.