7.1.2.2 Operationalisation

• What is operationalisation?

  Defining how to measure an abstract concept
• How might you operationalise the concept of stress?

  By measuring heart rates during a task
• What are the three main types of variables in an experiment?

  Independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variables
• What is an independent variable (IV)?

  The factor you change to see its effect
• What are the types of variables in an experiment?

  • Independent variable (IV)
  • Dependent variable (DV)
  • Controlled variables
• Why is consistency important in evaluating participants in an experiment?

  It enhances objectivity and replicability of the study
• What are controlled variables in an experiment?

  • Variables kept constant
  • Ensure a fair test
  • Example: Same textbook for all groups
• How does operationalisation affect abstract concepts like "stress"?

  It transforms them into specific measurable factors
• What is a dependent variable (DV)?

  The factor you measure to see its effect
• What does inconsistency in measurement methods affect?

  Reliability and validity of results
• What is another challenge when operationalising variables?

  Inconsistency
• Why is operationalisation important in research?

  It makes abstract concepts measurable for analysis
• What would happen if stress was not operationalised in an experiment?

  It would lead to subjective and inconsistent evaluations
• How can researchers ensure consistency in operationalising variables?

  Employ clear protocols and consistent tools
• What is a challenge when operationalising variables?

  Subjectivity
• Why is subjectivity a challenge in operationalising variables?

  It leads to researcher bias in definitions
• Why must operational definitions be simple?

  To ensure they are easy to understand and implement
• How do independent and dependent variables interact in an experiment?

  • IV is manipulated
  • DV is measured
  • Controlled variables remain constant
• How does operationalisation contribute to the replication of studies?

  It allows researchers to replicate the study accurately
• What is a third challenge in operationalising variables?

  Simplicity
• What is a solution to the challenge of subjectivity in operationalising variables?

  Use standardized questionnaires or physiological measures
• What are the key steps to ensure objective research when operationalising variables?

  • Provide specific operational definitions
  • Ensure measurements are reliable
  • Ensure measurements are valid
  • Enhance study credibility
• In a study on sleep and memory, what is the IV?

  The amount of sleep participants receive
• Why is it important to control variables in an experiment?

  To ensure that results are valid and reliable
• What is the importance of operationalisation in experiments?

  It ensures measurable and objective experiments
• How can you operationalise the independent variable of study time?

  By assigning groups to study for different durations
• What is a dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

  • The variable that is measured
  • It is affected by the independent variable
  • Example: Students' grades
• What is the benefit of making a concept measurable through operationalisation?

  It allows for objective analysis in experiments
• What is an independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

  • The variable that is manipulated
  • It affects the dependent variable
  • Example: Different study times
• How can you operationalise students' grades as a dependent variable?

  By using final exam scores or term averages
• In the sleep study, what could be a controlled variable?

  The time participants spend studying before tests
• What is the purpose of operationalising variables?

  To define variables for measurement
• What is a solution to the challenge of simplicity in operational definitions?

  Break down complex concepts into specific components
• What are controlled variables?

  Factors you keep constant to avoid influencing results