Page 40 - Exhibit No. 3 Copies of Instructional Materials Actually Used

uses hypothetical criteria to identify a phenomenon rather than what is
observable. Hence it projects an abstract meaning to the reader and can
be subjected to several interpretations. This type of definition also refers
to the subjective or theoretical/textual meaning of the word.

Sources: Dictionary, Related Literature, Authoritative Sources.

b. Operational Definition
The researcher's own definition of terms as used in the study. It Is
concrete and measurable, based observable characteristics of what is
being defined we the context of the phenomenon being investigated.
This also refers to the objective or practical/functional meaning of the
word.

Sources: Empirical data, related literature, research studies,
established theories

Types of Operational Definitions (Tomey: 2004):
1. Denotative Definition.
Variables or concepts are defined in terms of what the
concept is or what it represents.
Examples: Father - a male parent
Nurse - one who cares for people, sick or well

2. Connotative Definitions.
Variables are defined according to implications or
associations one might make with the variable. It
suggests what one might think when considering the
term.
Examples: Father - strong, provider, head of the family,
disciplinarian
Nurse - warm, gentle mannered, health provider
(These are terms associated with Father and Nurse).

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Nursing Research I