Concept– notion or image that we conjure up when we think of some cluster of related observations or ideas. 1 Chapter 5 Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Measurement Chapter Outline Measuring anything that exists Conceptions, concepts, and reality Conceptions as constructs Conceptualization Indicators and dimensions The interchangeability of indicators Real, nominal, and operational definitions Creating conceptual order Definitions in descriptive and explanatory studies We may need to identify the different dimensions or aspects of the concept. Concepts have progressive levels of abstraction—that is, the degree to which the concept does or doesnot have something objective to refer to. We can point to a table, andwe have images of the characteristics of all tables in our mind. It is especially important to define clearly concepts that are abstract or unfamiliar. Multi-dimensional concepts– concepts that are comprised of multiple elements When a researcher measures, he or she takes a concept, idea, or construct and develops a measure (i.e. Conceptions, Concepts, and Reality Conceptions as Constructs Conceptualization Indicators and Dimensions The Interchangeability of Indicators Real, Nominal, and Operational Definitions Creating Conceptual Order An Example of Conceptualization: The Concept of Anomie Definitions in Descriptive and Explanatory Studies Operationalization Choices Two of these ingredients were an independent variable and a dependent variable. Conceptualization– writing out clear, concise definitions for our key concepts, particularly in quantitative research. Since many concepts of interest are abstract, we often examine social theory and prior research to review appropriate definitions. High quality quantitative dissertations are able to clearly bring together theory, constructs and variables.Broadly speaking, constructs are the building blocks of theories, helping to explain how and why certain phenomena behave the way that they do. is an objective concept. a. technique, a process, a procedure) by which he or she can observe the idea empirically. 2 ... definition using concepts and words) based on previous scholarship. Conceptualization is the process of matching up terms to definitions of the terms. Conceptualisation is the mental process by which fuzzy and imprecise constructs (concepts) and their constituent components are defined in concrete and precise terms. Constructs. Table . A concept is an idea that is generalizable or agreed-upon by many people. Research in the social sciences is concerned with complex social behaviour, group dynamics and unique human settings. What is Conceptualisation, Concept and Construct? For instance, the word ‘prejudice’ conjures a certain image in our mind, however, we may struggle if we … Examples are satisfaction and risk. research—is a crucial part of the research process. While some constructs in social science research, such as a person’s age, weight, or a firm’s size, may be easy to measure, other constructs, such as creativity, prejudice, or alienation, may be considerably harder to measure. Concepts and constructs. An abstraction like . Constructs in quantitative research. Researchers have different patterns of thought and modes of thinking. Conceptualization In an earlier (digital) handout, I provided you with the basic ingredients necessary to construct a research question. personality Utilizing prior research provides a basis for creating agreement upon variable conceptualization within the field. Measurement refers to careful, deliberate observations of the real world and is the essence of empirical research. In inductive research, conceptualization is an important part of the process used to make sense of related observations.