PR2 Module 102924

Practical Research 2 – Module (October 29, 2024)
Lesson
3 Definition of Terms
Definition of Terms is also called as Operational Definition of Variables (ODV). The word
operational refers to “how the word/term was used in the study. At the same time, the variables are the
elements essential to the study.
There are two ways in defining the terms, the conceptual and operational definition. The
conceptual definition is the meaning of the term that is based on how it is defined in the dictionary or
encyclopedia. Operational definition on the other hand is the meaning of the term based on how it
was used in the study.
Generally, there are two cases in which important terms need to be defined. First, if the term is
not common or widely known and second, if the term has a specific or unique meaning in the context
of the study.
Benefits of Having Definition of Terms

1. It is a useful place to include technical terms in the topic of the research questions.
2. It can clarify the definition of term, especially if it has a different meaning. Define the term
according to how it was used in the study.
3. It makes it easier to revisit or check the meaning of a term instead of trying to locate it through
the paper.
4. Helps to ensure that the reader can understand the technical terminologies and jargons while
reading the paper.
Guidelines on How to Write the Definition of Terms

1. Write a brief introductory statement. It shortly describes the content of the definition of terms.
2. List/write the words/terms (which are technical) that would be included (make sure that the variables
and key terms found in the title are included).
3. The terms should be arranged alphabetically.
4. Indention should be applied to each term.
5. The term should be followed with a period.
6. It can be underlined or not.
7. It can be bold and italic or not.
8. It does not have to be lengthy (direct to the point).
9. Acronym/initials should be defined clearly. Complete name should be written first, followed by the
acronym/initials in open-close parenthesis, then the definition/meaning.
10. Do not overflow with technical terms (only those relevant and significant to the study).
11. Keep the definition brief and basic. You will elaborate on it more in the body of your paper.
Note: Refer also to your institutional format (some institutions have different formats).
Examples of Writing the Definition of Terms
1. Conceptual definition
Face to face. It is when the people involved are being close together and looking directly at each other.
Module. Is any in a series of standardized units used together, such as an educational unit that covers
a single subject or topic.
Online. Is controlled by or connected to another computer or network.
Practical Research 2 – Module (October 29, 2024)
2. Operational definition
Face to face. This refers to one of the modalities used in learning delivery in which the teacher and
students should be in the same place or setting, such as the classroom.
Module. Teaching modules are guides of the topics and lessons of a specific subject given to students
under the modular method. It is also an alternative distance learning delivery in which students
are required to read and answer the activities specified in the module.
Online. It refers to another form of distance learning wherein the teacher and students will have their
lessons using internet connectivity.
Example 1
Compose a brief introductory statement written before the list of terms to be defined.
1. For a better understanding of this study, the following terms are defined in the context of this
research.
2. The following terms are defined as used in the study.
3. To comprehend the study better, the following terms are operationally defined.
Example 2
Write the meaning of the key terms, both conceptually and operationally.
1. Student. A person who is enrolled or attends classes at school, college, or university. (This is
defined conceptually).
Student. Refers to a person who is enrolled and attends a Bachelor of Science in

Pharmacy of this university. (This is defined operationally).
2. Undergraduate. A student at a college or university who has not yet earned a bachelor's or
equivalent degree. (This is defined conceptually).
Undergraduate. Refers to a student who is enrolled in the course of Bachelor of Science

in Pharmacy in this university who has not yet received the degree. (This is defined
operationally).
13
3. Graduate. A person who has completed a course of study or training, especially a person who
has been awarded an undergraduate academic degree. (This is defined conceptually).
Graduate. Refers to a student who has completed the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Pharmacy of this university. (This is defined operationally).
ACTIVITY. DEFINE YOUR TERMS
Instructions: Work on your groups and construct the “1.7. Definition of Terms” of terms of your study.
Compose a brief introductory statement written before the list of terms to be defined. Define the relevant
terms in your study both conceptually and operationally. Follow the rest of the guidelines discussed in
this module. You may submit in digital or printed (either encoded or hand written) form on a paper.

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Practical Research 2 – Module (October 29, 2024)

Benefits of Having Definition of Terms

Guidelines on How to Write the Definition of Terms

Examples of Writing the Definition of Terms

Student. Refers to a person who is enrolled and attends a Bachelor of Science in

Undergraduate. Refers to a student who is enrolled in the course of Bachelor of Science

ACTIVITY. DEFINE YOUR TERMS

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