Which of the following is an example of an operational definition in psychological research?

• A. Describing anxiety as a general feeling of unease
• B. Explaining anxiety as a response to stressful situations
• C. Stating that anxiety is a common psychological disorder
• D. Defining anxiety as a score above 40 on the Beck Anxiety Inventory

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an operational definition in psychological research specifies how a concept or variable is measured or identified in practical, observable terms.
2. Review each option to see if it provides a measurable or observable criterion for anxiety rather than a general description or explanation.
3. Identify that describing anxiety as a general feeling of unease or as a response to stress are conceptual definitions, not operational ones, because they do not specify how to measure anxiety.
4. Recognize that stating anxiety as a common psychological disorder is a categorical statement, not an operational definition.
5. Note that defining anxiety as a score above 40 on the Beck Anxiety Inventory is an operational definition because it specifies a concrete, measurable criterion for identifying anxiety.