operational definitions

  Background Information In this assignment, you will use some tools to gather ideas about a possible research question or study. Additionally, you will start to formulate the operational definitions for the units of analysis for the research question. You will also reflect on how the study you plan to conduct relates to practice, and whether or not it would be considered PBR. Finally, you will strategize methods to help you stay on track in order to complete your research study. Instructions 1. From Fundamentals of Behavioral Research, read the section “Operational Definitions,” pp. 5.2–5.5 in Chapter 5, at http://uca.edu/psychology/files/2013/08/Ch5-Measurement.pdf. 2. The four steps that will help you consider different research focuses or questions, as well as the “why” (or impact of your study), the operational definitions, and how to stay on track. Take some time and make notes about each step. a. If another process, such as bubble-connecting, outlining, free-writing, or some other method, works for you, then use that instead of note taking. b. Be sure to keep in mind your passion, talents, and strengths to help you focus on a research topic that will be meaningful and important enough to you that you will be more likely to complete your research study. c. Note: You will not have to stick with the topic or topics you brainstorm about in this session; you will have opportunities to change or modify your topics before the end of the course. But, it will be helpful to have your research topic and question solidified by the end of the course, if at all possible. 3. After you have completed all four steps on your own, navigate to the threaded discussion and post what you came up with for each step in more succinct terms. For example, list the first and second order rank of the issues that are most interesting, and then identify those that overlap. Also note whether or not you are considering using available agency data (client data mining or CDM), and why or why not. a. Discuss the explicit, practice-based reason for conducting the study you are considering from your brainstorming session. What are some possible ways the results of your study could impact practice or service to clients? b. For the most likely research focus or question that you have formulated thus far based on your brainstorming (the problem or question that you find most interesting and are most passionate about at this point), identify the key concepts or operational definitions for each variable in your research question. i. Operational definitions usually are found in reading similar or related studies where researchers have used the same or very similar operational definition at least several times (in several research study publications). ii. Operational definitions are VERY precise definitions or methods of measurement. For example, self-esteem is usually measured by a questionnaire that has been tested with a variety of populations and has high validity and reliability data. c. Post your variables (or key concepts) and the operational definition that you plan to use to measure or define it. d. Discuss methods or strategies that you will use to stay on track (including, but not limited to, working with your mentor). i. What factors do you need to consider and plan for (besides your limited time!) before you begin you research study so that you will be more likely to complete it? ii. Consider and plan for worse case scenarios (such as emergencies or job interference).