MEASUREMENT OF VARIABLES:

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
Chapter 6
Objectives
Explain when operationalization of variables is
necessary
Operationally define (or operationalize) variables
Describe the advantages of using existing
measurement scales to operationalize variables
 DETAILS OF STUDY MEASUREMENT

Purpose of Types of Extent of Study setting Measurement

the investigation researcher and measures
study interference Contrived
Establishing: Non- Operational
Exploration - Causal Minimal: contrived definition
P Description Relationships Studying events Items
as they normally
R Hypothesis - Correlations
occur
(measures)
DATA
Testing - Group Scaling
O differences, Categorizing ANALYSIS
Manipulation
B ranks
and/or control
Coding
1.Feel for data
L and/or
simulation
E
M 2.Goodness of
data
S
T
A 3.Hypotheses
T testing
Unit of analysis Sampling Time horizon Data collection
M (population to Design method
E be studied)
Probability One shot Observation
N /non probability (cross Interview
T Individuals sectional) Questionnaire
Dyads Sample size Physical
Groups (n) Longitudinal Measurement
Organizations Unobtrusive
Machines etc.
How Variables are Measured

Physical quantities weight, length, etc.

Demographic variables age, income, years of
service etc., etc.
Abstract and subjective variable organizational
commitment, attitudes towards online banking, self
concept etc, etc. needs to be defined and
operationalized (i.e. define the attributes of the
variables)
Operationalization of Variables

Definition
- Reduction of abstract concepts to render them measurable
in a tangible way
- Describes its observable characteristics

Example:
Readiness for E- learning
- Educators Readiness (knowledge, skills & attitude)
- Students Readiness (knowledge, skills & attitude)
- Organizational Readiness (technical, HR, financial,
management, content, cultural & environmental)
Operationalization of Variables

Uni-dimension
- Reduction of abstract concepts comprises of only one
dimension
example:

Multi-dimension more than one dimensions

Example:
Self-directed learners (Guglielmino, 1977)
- Initiatives, independence and persistence in learning