Final answer:
To scientifically study anything, we must first operationally define the construct, then use measurement rules to quantify it. This permits us to study the construct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is D) Construct; Operationalize.
In scientific research, when studying anything, we first need to operationally define the construct or concept we want to study. This means defining it in terms of the physical or concrete steps it takes to objectively measure it. This is known as operationalizing the construct. Once we have operationally defined the construct, we can then use measurement rules to quantify it, which allows us to study it systematically and collect data in a replicable manner.