Laica N.

Baassis
MaEd- Filipino
Ma. Clariza Celine V. Ruiz
MSN

Topic: Definition of Terms

What does “Definition of Terms” mean in research?

The definition of terms in a research is an alphabetical list of important words or

acronyms that a researcher needs to delineate in order to fully explain or present the
thesis. It is an annex located at either the beginning or at the end of a research paper. The
way it is written could considerably affect how the reader will understand the thesis. The
list will likely include terms that are not widely known outside the researcher’s discipline.
These terms include particular theoretical constructs, formulas, operational definitions
that differ from colloquial definitions, schools of thought and discipline-specific
acronyms.

2 Types of Definition of Terms in a Research

1. Theoretical Definition
2. Operational Definition

There are two types of ways on how to define terms in a research. The first one is the
theoretical definition in which the researcher defines a concept or construct according to
its verbal meaning which is attached to the concept label. It explicitly specifies the
meaning associated with each concept, regardless of the extent to which we think the
meaning is shared.

The second one is the operational definition in which the researcher translates the
verbal meaning provided by the theoretical definition into a prescription for
measurement.The operational definition is closely associated with the theoretical
definition. It states clearly how observations will be made so they will reflect as fully as
possible the meaning associated with the verbal concept or construct. Theoretical and
operational definitions allow researchers to communicate their concepts to others, so that
they may be critically evaluated.

In summary, theoretical definition tells what the concept means, while an operational
definition only tells how to measure it. A theoretical definition tells what the constructs
are by explaining how they are related to other constructs. This explanation and all of the
constructs it refers to are abstract. On the other hand, the operational definitions describe
the variables the researcher will use as indicators for constructs and the procedures the
researcher will use to observe or measure the variables.

Example:
Word Theoretical Definition Operational Definition

Age The length of time that an The number of years since

organism has existed birth

How is “Definition of Terms” written in a thesis?

The definitions should be written clearly according how they are used in the research
in order to make ease in the understanding of the problem and avoid ambiguous or
unclear meaning to terms which can be otherwise interpreted in different ways.

The terms defined must be arranged in alphabetical order and acronyms should
always be spelled out fully, especially if it is used for the first time and not widely
known.

Activities for the Classmates to Work On

The discussant will prepare an activity where in the class will create their own
“Definition of Terms” for their submitted research title and objectives using the two types
of definitions.

The activity will help them understand, as researchers, how to define terms and will be
able to apply the process of formulating the right definitions for each word incorporated
in their research.

Conclusion

A. Inputs

The importance of the properly writing the definition of terms in a thesis or a

research study is that it will illuminate words that are used in the study which maybe
important or maybe unfamiliar to the reader. Properly giving meaning to those words
accordingly to how they were used in the study will give a clear understanding of the
research.

Theoretical definitions are basic definitions. They are usually called constitutive or
conceptual definitions. They give meaning to the concept or construct under
investigation. It assumes both knowledge and acceptance of the theories it depend on. A
theoretical definition clearly states the meaning of the concept. This allows others to
understand the researcher’s vision of the concept.

Operational definitions, on the other hand, define objects, events, variables, concept
or constructs in terms of specific processes, tests, and measurements used to determine its
presence or quantity. It states which characteristics will be measured in the assignment of
value to the concept or construct under study. Operational definitions convert verbal
concepts into measurable variables.

B. Worksheets

Name: _____________

Course:

You can do it!

1. Based on your formulated research title and objectives, start making your own
“Definition of Terms.”
2. Explain how you used the two types of definitions in your “Definition of Terms.”

References:
Coaty, P. C. (1970, January 1). Theoretical and Operational Definitions of Strategy.
SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-89447-8_2.

Definition of Terms. Guide to the ALM Thesis.

https://thesis.extension.harvard.edu/definition-terms.

Elements of Scientific Theories: Concepts and Definitions.

http://ciosmail.cios.org:3375/readbook/rmcs/ch02.pdf.

Hage, J. (1972). Chapter 1, “Theoretical Concepts”; Chapter 3, “Specifying the

Definitions.” In Techniques and problems of theory construction in sociology.
essay, John Wiley & Sons.

Kerlinger, F.N. (1986). Foundations of behavioral Research (3rd ed.) New York: Holt,
Rinehart and Winston. (Chapter 3, “Constructs, Variables, and Definitions”)

Operationalizing. Chapter 3 Operationalizing.

https://www.sfu.ca/personal/archives/richards/Zen/Pages/Chap3.htm.

Theory Mapping: Conceptual and Operational Definitions.

https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
filename=5&article=1016&context=books&type=additional.

Volchok, E. (2015, April 13). Measurement & Measurement Scales. Constructive and
Operational Definitions.
http://media.acc.qcc.cuny.edu/faculty/volchok/Measurement_Volchok/Measuremen
t_Volchok4.html.

Writing Definition of Terms. Thesis Notes. (2009, May 18). http://thesisnotes.com/thesis-

writing/writing-definition-of-terms/.