DEFINITION OF TERMS

PREPARED BY: MARIA TERESA P. YBAÑEZ

DEFINING KEY TERMS

Defining important terms is essential to ensure

a common understanding of key concepts and
terminology shared between the dissertation
author and his or her audience, particularly if
the term is unusual or not widely known.
Clearly defining your terminology will enhance
reader’s understanding of important terms.
 TWO TYPES OF DEFINITION

1. Conceptual definition- definition of terms as given

by authoritative sources (e.g. Webster’s Dictionary; a
well known research study; textbook, etc.)
2. Operational definition- researcher’s own definition,
based on how it will be used in the study. This
requires the researcher to specify actions or
operations necessary to identify and measure the
term.
Location- after the Data Analysis; last part of
chapter 1
Points to remember…
• Only terms, words, or phrases which have special or
unique meanings in the study are defined.
• Terms should be defined operationally, i.e. how they
are used in the study
• The researcher may develop his own definition from
the characteristics of the term defined.
Points to remember…
• Definitions may be taken from encyclopedia, books,
magazines, newspaper articles, dictionaries and other
publications
• Definitions should be as brief, clear, and unequivocal
as possible.
• Acronyms should always be spelled out fully especially
if it is not commonly known.