What are "operational definitions" in research?

Operational definitions refer to specific procedures for measuring variables in research. They clarify how abstract concepts or constructs will be defined and quantified in a tangible and measurable way. This ensures that researchers have a clear and consistent understanding of what they are examining, allowing for reliable data collection and analysis. By providing precise definitions of terms and variables, operational definitions help eliminate confusion and ambiguity, allowing other researchers to replicate the study accurately if needed.

The other options do not align with the concept of operational definitions. Descriptions of the analysis process relate to how data will be interpreted after it has been collected. Instructions for participant recruitment focus on how to select individuals for the study, which is separate from measurement of variables. Guidelines for ethical considerations pertain to the moral aspects of conducting research, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality, but they do not directly relate to how variables are measured.