What Is an Example of an Operational Definition? in Sociology. for Ex the Operational Definition of Bullying?

Question by Christina: what is an example of an operational definition? in sociology. for ex the operational definition of bullying?
i have to write a reflection paper about my life and include 5 social problems including operational definitions for those… i was thinking using bullying, mental illness, drug abuse, physical abuse and cant think of one last one. but could someone help with the operational definitions for those?

Best answer:

Answer by gershom t
operational definition is how you define these concepts such as bullying, mental illness, drug abuse, physical abuse.

operational definitions are used because not everyone’s concept of bullying, for example, is the same. maybe some people think it’s only bullying when its really physical, like someone pushing you around hard and locking you in your own locker. other people may think that it’s also psychological, like crap talking and insulting you.

operational definition is simply YOUR definition or the one you want to use in research/most widely accepted/average.

more specifically, it has to be measurable. you can’t say, lets measure bullying, or drug abuse, without some kind of RULES specifying what falls into the category and what doesnt. for example, for drug abuse, how much drugs need to be used? what kind? for how long? for what reasons?

this should help you clarify what operational definitions are, as opposed to theoretical definitions.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

 


 

Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace – Workplace Safety Training Video – Safetycare 2011 – Drugs and Alcohol are a problem in the workplace. The object of this program is to identify some of the problems and to look at a variety of options availabl…

 

Big gun-toting soldier statue stands at school where kid was arrested over NRA

Filed under: drug abuse definition

The middle school where the eighth-grader who was arrested after refusing to remove a t-shirt supporting the National Rifle Association has a big statue out front of a World War I soldier toting a conspicuous rifle (and a hand grenade). The larger-than …
Read more on Daily Caller

 

Twitter carries Baptist leaders' dismay with gay marriage ruling

Filed under: drug abuse definition

In a compilation of religious responses at National Review tweeted by Moore, he wrote, "In a day when churches must fight for the cultural freedom to define marriage, laissez-faire wedding policies, and the nominalism that goes with them, are done for …
Read more on BP News

 

Magpul to give away 1500 30-round mags ahead of Colorado ban

Filed under: drug abuse definition

As a final protest of Colorado's new high-capacity magazine ban going into effect on Monday, Magpul Industries is giving away 1,500 30-round magazines on Saturday during an event the company calls “Farewell to Arms.” They will be given away on a …
Read more on Daily Caller

 

New 'Crossfire' cast previews show with debate on gay marriage ruling

Filed under: drug abuse definition

“Their governor and their attorney general refused to defend them, and as a result, the court didn't actually decide the substance of the case. David Boies was quite clear. The court said there is nobody here who has standing to defend the case …
Read more on Daily Caller