DEFINING TERMS

IN THE STUDY
 DEFINITION OF TERMS
To complete the research, it is imperative to unlock terms used in the
paper especially if there are jargons used. Definition of terms will
help clarify the purpose and direction of the study being conducted.

Organizing Definitions
An important part in writing a research in an academic paper is to
give definitions of key terms. There are two types of definitions:

✓ Conceptual definition – the meaning of the term is usually taken

from the dictionary

✓ Operational definition – the definition based on an observed

characteristics and how it is used in the study
 These are the few principles to keep
in mind:
1. Make sure that in the definition, you
focus on what something is, not just
what its effects are or what it is used for.

2. Extend the definition so that it exactly

covers what you want the reader to
understand. Never assume that if the
term appears to be quite common,
everyone knows what it means. And, do
not overload your definition.
These are the few principles to keep
in mind:
3. It is helpful to supplement a definition, where
appropriate, to clarify further the meaning of the
term.

4. You are advised not to invent a definition for

any term which has a clear and accepted
definition in place. However, the term should be
defined as used in the study or research or
within the content being discussed.

5. Finally, once you establish a definition, so not

change its meaning in the middle of the article or
the paper.
Example of Definition of Terms From:
Baraceros (2017)

Temperature

o Conceptual Definition: heat flowing between

infinite reservoirs

o Operational Definition: define temperature in

relation to operations with gas thermometers
Example of Definition of Terms From:
Baraceros (2017)

2. Electric Current

Conceptual Definition: force between two

parallel conductors

Operational Definition: mention the device,

current balance, to measure electric current
Example of Definition of Terms From:
Baraceros (2017)

3. Anger
Conceptual Definition: Intangible; not directly
measured by observation

Operational Definition: mention facial

expressions, vocabulary, or voice tone to
measure anger
 Thanks!
Please keep this slide for attribution

CREDITS: This presentation template was created by

Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, infographics & images
by Freepik and illustrations by Stories