Final answer:
An operational definition precisely outlines how to measure a variable in research, ensuring consistency and replicability, while definitions not fitting this criteria often lack specificity and measurability.
Step-by-step explanation:
An operational definition specifies the exact meaning of a variable within a study by outlining the procedures or operations required to measure it. This precise approach ensures consistency and replicability in research. For example, precisely defining “good drivers” as “drivers who have never received a traffic violation” provides a clear standard for measurement that is consistent across different researchers.
A definition which is not an operational definition can be vague and subjective. For instance, the concept of “happiness” may be defined in general terms, such as “a state of well-being and contentment.” However, this lacks the specificity required in research to objectively measure or compare results. An operational definition would instead outline specific observable behaviors or responses that indicate happiness in a measurable way.
In contrast to operational definitions, dictionary definitions often describe how a concept is used in ordinary speech and may not provide the specific, measurable criteria needed for research purposes.