Definition of Terms

DANILO V. ROGAYAN JR.

 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Major terms in the study should be

rigorously defined. It is always better to
write a clear, precise definition that will call
up the same core of meaning to all
competent researchers in the field.
 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Formal definition. A formal definition consists

of three parts—term, genus, and differentia. The
term is the word to be defined, the genus is the
class where the object of definition belongs, and
the differentia is a characteristic that makes the
object different from other members of the class.
In the statement, “The triangle is a geometric
figure with three sides and three angles”,
triangle is the term, geometric figure is the genus
and with three sides and three angles is the
differentia.
 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Definition by example. A term may be defined

by giving it a specific example, i.e. The term
school administrator includes all official from the
chancellor down to the deans.
 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Definition by stipulation. Stipulation is the act

of making terms found in book and other
references more specific so that it directly
applies on the current study. The dictionary may
define a child underachiever as a child of
high intellectual ability who does not achieve
on a level commensurate to his ability. A
researcher may stipulate that a child
underachiever is one with an IQ of 130 or
higher but reads at least one year below the
community level.
 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Definition by Constitutive Operational

Analysis (McMillan and Schumacher, 1993;
Librero, 1995). Constitutive definitions are
constructs that are derived by observing and
describing how variables are linked to other
variables in a set (i..e. intelligence is the product
of the interaction of a person’s heredity and
environment) or by ascribing their key
characteristics (i.e. intelligence is the ability to
deal with tasks involving abstractions).
 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Operational definitions assign meaning to a

variable by specifying the activities or operations
necessary to measure, categorize, or
manipulate the variable. Example: “Intelligence
relates positively to achievement” implies that
the higher the intelligence level of a person, the
better he achieves.
 Definition of Terms (Librero, 1995)

• Operational definitions. Also, the intelligence

level maybe defined operationally by its
measurement i.e. the result of an IQ test, while
the achievement level can be measured by an
achievement test whether standardized or
teacher-made. Hence, operational definition is
stated in terms of operations or procedures that
must be carried out in observing or measuring
that which is being defined.
 References

• Ardales, V.B. 1992. Basic Concepts and Methods In Research. Quezon City: Great Books Trading
•
• Ariola,M..M.. 2006. Principles and Methods of Research.1st edtion. Manila: Rex Book Store
• Bautista, O.K. 2006. Technical Writing. A Lecture given during the Training Workshop on Technical Writing At
PCARRD, Los Banos., Laguna
• Belmont Report. 1979. Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research.
Washington
• Best, J.W. and J.V. Kahn.1989. Research In Education. 6th Edition.New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall.
• Calderon, J.F. and E.C. Gonzales. 1993. Methods of Research and Thesis Writing. Manila: Great Books Trading
• Calmorin, L.P. and M.A. Calmorin 2005. Methods of Research And Thesis Writing. Ist Edition. (Reprint) Manila:
Rex Books Store.
• De Leon, S.Y. and V. Claudio. 1980. Guide to Research and Scientific Reporting. Manila: Merriam.
• Espiritu, J.A. 2014. Research Methodology. Unpublished Manual.
• Fraenkel, J. and N. Wallen. 2007. How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education, 6th Edition. New York,
USA: McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.
• Gregorio, G.L. 2000. Research Methods and Technical Writing in Agriculture. Manila: Rex Printing Company.
• Librero, F. How to Write A Thesis Proposal. Department of Development Communication, College of Agriculture.
Laguna, Philippines: UPLB.
• Mcmillan J. and Schumacher. 1993. Research in Education – A Conceptual Introduction. New York, USA:
HarperCollins College Publishers.
• Sanchez, C.A. 1986. Methods and Techniques of Research. Manila: Rex Bookstore.
• Sevilla, C. et al. 1988. An Introduction to Research Methods. Manila: National Book Store
Maraming salamat! That in all
things God may be glorified!