Final answer:
Operational definitions are used to specify the exact procedures for measuring a concept in research, ensuring consistency, validity, and reliability in studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operational definitions are definitions that indicate the precise procedures, or operations, to be followed in measuring a concept. In various fields like sociology, psychology, and research methodology, operationalization involves defining a concept in terms of the physical or concrete steps it takes to objectively measure it.
For instance, in a study investigating the impact of tutoring on grades, one could operationalize a "good" grade variously as a C or better, or a B+ and above. Moreover, the concept of "tutoring" might be operationalized as "one-on-one assistance by an expert in the field, hired by an educational institution." These operational definitions set limits and ensure consistency and replicability in research studies, aiding in the collection of systematic data and ensuring the validity and reliability of the study's results.