Conceptualization & Operationalization

    The key difference between conceptualization and operationalization is that conceptualization refers to the process of defining or specifying what we mean when using certain terms whereas operationalization refers to the process of precisely defining how the researcher should measure a concept. Operationalization means turning abstract concepts into measurable observations. Although some concepts, like height or age, are easily measured, others, like spirituality or anxiety, are not. Through operationalization, you can systematically collect data on processes and phenomena that aren’t directly observable.   You have been commissioned by a local prison to examine if participation in a substance abuse program reduces participants’ recidivism once released from prison. How will you conceptualize recidivism? How will you operationalize recidivism? You have been asked by the local middle school to examine the impact of bullying on depression. How will you conceptualize bullying? How will you operationalize bullying? (Remember you can use more than 1 question to measure a single concept) There are four levels of measurement. Ratio, interval, ordinal and nominal.