DEFINITION OF

TERMS
Module 3 – Topic 3
DEFINITION OF TERMS

•Facilitates better understanding of the

study by explaining the meaning of
terms or variables as they are used in the
study
REASONS FOR DEFINING THE
VARIABLES
To guide and direct the researcher in quantifying and qualifying the
variables

To ensure clarity of the meaning of the variables and minimize the

readers’ misconceptions

Direct the reader into the meaning of the word according to the
researchers own interpretation and analysis of variables
TYPES OF DEFINITIONS
CONCEPTUAL
DEFINITION
CONCEPTUAL
DEFINITION
• “subjective or theoretical/textual meaning”
• Definition that is universally understood
• General statement of properties or qualities
common to a number of cases or examples
• Uses hypothetical criteria to identify a
phenomenon rather than what is observable
• Projects an abstract meaning to the reader and
can be subjected to several interpretations
CONCEPTUAL
DEFINITION
• Sources:
• dictionary
• related literature
• authoritative sources
CONCEPTUAL
DEFINITION
• Examples:
1. Motivation -something that causes
a person to act (Webster, 2004)
2. Problem – a source of perplexity or
vexation
3. Pain – subjective experience
perceived to be unpleasant, initiated
by potentially damaging stimuli but
influenced by affective variables
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION
• “objective or practical/functional” meaning of
the word
• Researchers’ own definition of terms as used in
the study
• concrete and measurable, based on observable
characteristics of what is being defined within
the context of the phenomenon being
investigated
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION
• Sources :
• empirical data
• related literature
• research studies
• established theories
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION
• Examples:
1. Motivation – ability of the nurse on
duty to accomplish her tasks on time
2. Problem – inability of the patient to
meet his daily dietary requirements
3. Pain – refers to the score obtained in a
10 cm visual analog scale in which
zero (0) represents “no pain” and ten
(10) represents the worst pain
imaginable
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION

Denotative Connotative
Definition Definition
Denotative
definition
Variables or concepts are
defined in terms of what the
concept is or what it represents
Examples:
1. Father – a male parent
2. Nurse – one who cares for
people, sick or well
Connotative
definition
Variables are defined according
to implications or associations
one might make with the
variable
Examples:
1. Father – strong, provider,
head of the family,
disciplinarian
2. Nurse – warm, gentle
mannered, health provider
LEXICAL
DEFINITION
DEFINITION FROM AUTHORITATIVE
SOURCES
LEXICAL
DEFINITION
• Definitions taken from authorities on
the subjects or terms being defined
• Must be properly acknowledged in
the footnotes or endnotes
LEXICAL
DEFINITION
• Examples:
1. Morale. According to Keith (1990), is a state
of well being that elevates the spirit, generate
self-confidence and arouses pride in being part
of group endeavour.
2. Comfort. Paterson (Paterson & Zdedard, 1988)
stated that comfort is a construct that
communicates the nature or experience of the
nurse. She believed that comfort was an
umbrella under which all other nursing terms
could be sheltered, such as growth, health,
freedom and openness.
Examples

Conceptual Operational
Variable
Definition Definition
Any individual with
An individual who
four years of
A professional practices a
education in a
profession
particular college
The tendency of a
Self directed
Introversion student to isolate
interest
from the group
Important Considerations
• Definitions are more meaningful when stated in sentences rather than in isolated words
or phrases
• Ideally the variables are to be defined operationally
• Definitions are needed so the reader may know what the researcher means with the
concepts or variables used in the study
• The variables of the study reflect the researchers own perception and definition of
reality that the concept is supposed to represent
• The concept or variables of this study may be open to many interpretations. Therefore, it
must be the researchers meaning of the concept that must be used before the reader can
understand the meaning intended by the researcher.
 • Venzon, L. M., & Venzon, R.
M. (2010). Introduction to
Nursing Research: The
Quest for Quality Nursing
REFERENCES through Evidence-based
Practice (3rd ed.). Quezon
City: C & E-Publishing.
• Tan, C. B. (2011). A
Research Guide in Nursing
Education (4th ed.). Pasay
City: Visprint Inc.
Module 3 Topic 3