Question

Operational definitions are most closely associated with which major advantage of

the scientific approach?
1) commonsense approach
2) clarity and precision
3) intolerance of error
4) tolerance of error

Answer 1

2) clarity and precision

Explanation:

One of the advantages of the "scientific" approach is that it brings clarity and precision to the study and description of relationships in nature. One way such clarity is achieved is by making use of operational definitions.

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Comment on the "scientific" approach

One of the disadvantages of seeking clarity and precision through operational definitions is that the line can be drawn so tightly around cause-effect relationships that additional causes are excluded, hence given no thought or credibility. For example, even though experimenter bias has been repeatedly demonstrated to affect experimental outcomes, the double-blind study is still considered the 'gold standard' in study methodology. The double-blind study is simply defined as excluding experimenter bias (even though it doesn't).

The "placebo effect" is another case where the definition gets in the way of serious study as to why that effect exists.