Quarter 4 Module 2

Giving Technical and Operational

Definitions
After going through this module, you are expected
to:
1. give technical and operational definitions of
words;
2. draw the similarities and differences of
technical and operational definitions using a
Venn diagram; and
3. propose the ways on how to improve personal
communication and to bring back the genuine
connection with others.
Establishing knowledge through definition is not just
important, but it is very crucial when you write. When you
define a certain terminology, make sure that it is clear and
concise and be certain that nothing is lost in translation. You
do not want your readers to be left questioning what you
meant by your claims.
DEFINITION Merriam Webster Dictionary gives its simplest
meaning of the word definition as “a statement of the
meaning of a word or a group of words, or a symbol”. In
other words, a definition explains through clarification and
further explanation. It gives the essence of the word being
defined.
TYPES OF DEFINITION
1. TECHNICAL DEFINITION is an explanation or description of a word
that is used in specific ways in different fields. It tends to be
abstract, conceptual, or theoretical. It is essential in any academic
or research paper.
Guidelines in Writing Technical Definitions?
1. Identify the category a term belongs in.
2. Identify its distinct parts and characteristics.
3. Identify its functions.
4. State what it is not.
Kinds of Technical Definitions
a. Parenthetical Definition is a short explanation of a word
that needs clarification but is not the focus of the
document/ paper you are writing. The definition can be a
synonym or a phrase that is placed after the word being
defined.
Study the examples of sentence definitions below:
Dionysiana (a collection of conciliar canons and papal
decretals) was enforced throughout the kingdom.
The Council of Nicaea introduced the ecumenical council
(gathering of representatives of the entire communion) to
the Church.
b. Sentence Definition is more formal and longer than parenthetical
definition because the definition of a word does not only use words
or phrases but uses sentences. This is usually seen in a glossary,
within the text, or in margin notes. To write a sentence definition, a
pattern or format must be used to allow the reader to compare the
word to terms they may already know, while also understanding how
it differs from those words, which improves comprehension.
c. Extended Definition is the longest version of definition. It is
the longest version of definition because it expands into few
sentences to several pages long. It is used when a term must
be explained in detail.
2. OPERATIONAL DEFINITION describes how to measure or recognize
a particular term, idea, variable, object, phenomenon, or condition.
It tells what to do or what to observe. The word operational means
describing what to do in a certain context. Thus, the operational
definition must be concrete, clear, and precise so the reader knows
exactly what to observe or measure.
Guidelines in Writing Operational Definitions
1. Identify the means of measuring the term based on the study you
are conducting.
2. Identify what can be done to cause the phenomenon to occur or
to induce a particular state.
3. State how the thing works or how the phenomenon functions.
4. Describe the object or phenomenon.
OUTPUT
With the downsides of communication tools and
technologies to personal relationships, how can you improve
personal communication to bring back the true essence of
genuine connection with others? a. List down five (5)
communication tools and technologies that can be discarded.
b. Define these communication tools and technologies using
operational or technical definition. c. Decide which among
the five communication tools and technologies will greatly
improve your way of connecting to people if you choose not
to use them anymore.