Whenever we have to investigate some aspect of behavior that is vague or may have multiple meanings, we may want to define such terms or concepts in ways that are precise, measurable, and concrete. Such definitions are called operational definitions. Below are some hypotheses that are being researched. Identify which terms in each hypothesis should be operationally defined, and then give an example of how each of these terms might be defined so that the hypotheses can be more clearly tested.
b. Proper nutrition aids alertness in the classroom.
c. People who are talking on car phones do not drive safely.
d. Frustration causes aggression
e. Lack of sleep impairs ones judgment.
f. People in love perceive each other more positively than others perceive them.
g. Participating in team sports builds character.
h. Anxiety interferes with logical thinking.
i. Loving parents produce children who grow up to be honest adults.
j. Smoking on the part of mothers produces more hyperactive children.
k. Tall people are likely to be extroverts.
l. Religious people are friendlier than non-religious people.
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© 1996 Andy Geoghegan,
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Last modified: 03/02/04