Variables, Defining

Overview

Variables must have conceptual or theoretical definitions. These definitions include elements of interest to researchers. A concept or mental image of a similar set of ideas, observations, or feelings must be defined. Defining the meaning of a variable connects ideas to concrete observations. Concepts can be utilized in everyday conversation with vague and common agreements about their usage. Frequently, however, concepts may be under debate, might have changed over time, or are undefined, or possibly contain multiple definitions. For all these reasons, it is helpful to define variables to distinguish what a particular study is analyzing.

In addition, it is unlikely that readers have the same base knowledge about a topic, share particular or common definitions, or utilize the same contemporary definition. Researchers must take a variable definition beyond laypersons’ commonsense view of it. Defining variables requires an explicit definition before the variables are utilized in the research. Explicitly defining variables enables the researchers to provide a common base for their argument. Researchers cannot count on readers knowing exactly what they mean. It is important to define concepts clearly, especially when they are abstract, unfamiliar, or new. In their introduction and literature review, researchers need to specifically and clearly define what they mean when they use a concept.

To define a variable, an explanation must originate from theory and/or previous definitions based in prior scholarship first through the conceptual or theoretical definitions. Researchers must determine which definitions are important to the phenomenon being examined and how it relates to their theoretical framework. When defining the variable and the concepts that underlie its foundation, it should be related to the theory as well as to other concepts. The shared understanding of one concept relies on the understanding of other related concepts. Nonetheless, the definition should describe a variable that can be distinguished from things that are and are not related to that particular concept.

Real, Nominal, and Operational Definitions

When conceptualizing, it is important to consider the three types of definitions: real, nominal, and operational. The real definition reflects the actual essence or real manifestation of a construct. For instance, to think of a straight line is to think of an object and what it is. This definition often leads to confusion by mistaking the real entity for a concept of something; thus, nominal definitions are used to specify and help state what a word means. The nominal definition originates from a consensus or common convention (e.g., any dictionary definition) that describes how a concept should be utilized. This definition does not necessarily signify anything meaningful but rather focuses the observation. The operational definition is nominal rather than real; moreover, it provides clarity as to what the variable represents for that study’s purpose (e.g., identifying which exact measurement will assess that variable). This is unambiguous and allows readers to understand what specifically is being examined, what results are reported, and how to replicate the study.

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