Conceptual definition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A conceptual definition is an element of the scientific research process, in which a specific concept is defined as a measurable occurrence. It is mostly used in fields of philosophy, psychology, and communication studies. This is especially important when conducting a content analysis.
Examples of ideas that are often conceptually defined include intelligence, knowledge, tolerance, and preference.
Following the establishment of a conceptual definition, the researcher must use an operational definition to indicate how the abstract concept will be measured.
[edit] Conceptual vs operational definition
Conceptual definition | Operational definition |
Weigh: a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object | a result of measurement of an object on a Newton spring scale |