Why is it important for researchers to use precise operational definitions when conducting psychological research?

• A. To avoid the need for peer review and ethical approval
• B. To allow researchers to change the meaning of variables during the study
• C. To ensure that variables are clearly defined and can be measured or replicated by other researchers
• D. To make the research process more subjective and open to interpretation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an operational definition specifies exactly how a variable is measured or manipulated in a study, making abstract concepts concrete and measurable.
2. Recognize that precise operational definitions allow other researchers to replicate the study by using the same procedures and measurements, which is essential for verifying results.
3. Acknowledge that clear definitions reduce ambiguity and subjectivity, ensuring that everyone interprets the variables in the same way, which strengthens the validity of the research.
4. Note that without precise operational definitions, variables could be interpreted differently, leading to inconsistent results and difficulty in comparing studies.
5. Conclude that precise operational definitions are fundamental to scientific rigor in psychology because they enable clear communication, replication, and objective measurement of variables.