1. Choose two variables from the list below. Don't pick the first two on the list, pick ones that you find interesting!
NOTE: If you already have variables in mind for your final research proposal, you may skip the list and use those if you would prefer (this provides
you an opportunity to get feedback/ideas from your classmates as well!)
2. Come up with operational definitions for each.
o Review the lecture notes if you need a refresher on what an operational definition is - but essentially, it is how the variable will be measured in the
study.
For example, if you are studying family support, how will you measure family support so that you can see differences between your
participants? This will be your operational definition for family support.
o Remember, these should be specific and thorough definitions. Your classmates should be able to tell exactly how you plan to measure the variable
you have chosen.
o There's not necessarily a right or wrong answer, as long as it is something currently possible to do (l love science fiction, but it's not appropriate
for class).
o You may need to do a bit of research on your variable, just don't spend too much time doing this and overwhelm yourself.
o Just like the example from the notes, if you find a survey or measure for your variable, you can use that as part of the operational definition.
3. Post two SEPARATE posts - one for each variable. DO not put both variables in the same post.
Post Example
Conceptual Variable: Happiness
Operational Definition: Satisfaction with life, measured by score on the Satisfaction with Life
Scale (Diener, 1985);
there was also this step
step 5: identify the type of data (quantitative or qualitative) and the type of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio) for each of your chosen variables.
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