Why is an operational definition important in psychological research?

• A. It ensures that all research findings are statistically significant.
• B. It guarantees that the hypothesis will be proven correct.
• C. It allows researchers to clearly define variables so that they can be measured and replicated by others.
• D. It eliminates the need for a control group in experiments.

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 observable.
2. Recognize that clear operational definitions allow other researchers to replicate the study by using the same procedures and measurements, which is essential for verifying results.
3. Note that operational definitions help ensure consistency in data collection, reducing ambiguity and increasing the reliability of the research findings.
4. Acknowledge that operational definitions do not guarantee statistical significance or prove hypotheses correct; rather, they provide clarity and precision in research methods.
5. Remember that operational definitions are fundamental for scientific communication and progress, as they allow psychological constructs to be tested empirically and compared across studies.