Technical &

Operational Definition
GROUP 1 PRESENTATION
What is a Term Definition?
A term definition is a word or
expression that has a precise
meaning in some uses or is peculiar
to a science, art, profession, or
subject.
Defining terms is one way of helping
to resolve problems of ambiguity
and there are many types of
definitions. In this lesson, you will
be clarified on the context on how
technical and operational definitions
are defined and used.
TECHNICAL
DEFINITION
Technical Definition
Technical definition is having special and usually
practical knowledge especially of a mechanical or
scientific subject. Technical definition mostly
refers to the aspect of explaining or describing
any technical terms or terminologies.

Examples include the terms and definitions of the

words found in dictionary.
Technical Definition
Examples:
1. Email message is one platform that connects people by using any form
of gadget.
2. Interviewing is a conversational practice where knowledge is
produced through the interaction between an interviewer and
interviewee.
3. Statistics is the quantity that is computed from a sample.
4. Evidence is an outward sign of proofs to ascertain the truth of a
matter.
5. Generalization is a general statement, law, principle, or proportion.
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION
Operational Definition
Operational definition is the specific meaning of a word
or phrase given to it by the group of people who use
the word in their specific context.

On the other hand, operational definition is more on the

application of the word. In other words, it is used in
defining the terms of a process.
Operational Definition
An example of operational definition of the term
weight of an object, operationalized to a degree,
would be the following:

"Weight is the number that appears when that

object is placed on a weighing scale."
Operational Definition
Examples:
1. Employee satisfaction - number of days per month that the employee shows up
to work on time.
2. Possession - time taken to honk the horn at the car ahead after a stop light
turn green.
3. Items - number of people correctly solving a group performance-task.
4. Public policy - new laws passed, institutional reform, change in corporate
practice, etc.
5. Social media traction - volume of people endorsing, commenting on, or sharing
content on social media.
6. Public deliberation - hearings, speeches, press statements, and other forms of
deliberated among policy-makers or opinion.
Operational Definition
Operational definition is the specific meaning of a word
or phrase given to it by the group of people who use
the word in their specific context.

On the other hand, operational definition is more on the

application of the word. In other words, it is used in
defining the terms of a process.
Understanding the Differences
Understanding the distinctions between technical and operational
definitions is critical for effective communication and problem
solutions. Technical definitions provide comprehensive
descriptions of concepts within certain domains, which aid
theoretical knowledge. Operational definitions, on the other hand,
specify actual methods for observing and quantifying these
notions in real-world contexts. Understanding this divide
promotes clarity in research, quality assurance across industries,
and interdisciplinary collaboration.
 Comparing
Technical Defintion &
Operational Definition
Example: Temperature
Technical Definition Operational Definition
Temperature is a measure of the Temperature can be operationally defined as
average kinetic energy of the particles the reading obtained from a thermometer,
in a substance or system. It is a which quantifies the degree of hotness or
fundamental concept in coldness of a substance or environment. In
thermodynamics and physics, often practical applications, temperature is
measured in units such as Celsius (°C) measured using various instruments such as
or Kelvin (K). Temperature plays a thermocouples, resistance temperature
crucial role in determining the thermal detectors (RTDs), or infrared thermometers.
properties and behavior of materials, Operationalizing temperature allows for
as well as influencing physical and precise quantification and monitoring of
chemical processes. thermal conditions in scientific experiments,
industrial processes, meteorology, and
everyday life.
Example: Gravity
Technical Definition Operational Definition
Gravity is the force of attraction Gravity can be operationally defined as the
between two objects with mass. force that causes objects to fall towards the
According to Newton's law of universal Earth's surface. This can be observed by
gravitation, the force of gravity is dropping objects and witnessing them
directly proportional to the product of accelerate downward due to the gravitational
the masses of the objects and pull of the Earth. Operationalizing gravity
inversely proportional to the square of allows us to understand and predict how
the distance between their centers. objects behave in relation to Earth's
gravitational field.
Example: Photosynthesis
Technical Definition Operational Definition
Photosynthesis is the biochemical Photosynthesis is the process by which
process by which green plants, algae, plants produce oxygen and release it into the
and some bacteria convert light atmosphere. This can be observed by
energy into chemical energy in the conducting experiments where plants are
form of glucose. It involves a series of exposed to light, carbon dioxide, and water,
complex biochemical reactions, resulting in the production of oxygen bubbles.
primarily occurring in chloroplasts, Operationalizing photosynthesis allows us to
utilizing carbon dioxide and water to understand the role of plants in oxygen
produce glucose and oxygen. production and its significance for the
ecosystem.
Activity 1:
Determine whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE
based on your understanding of technical and operational
definitions.
1. Operational definitions are often used in everyday
language and communication to convey meanings and understandings of
terms in common usage.

2. Technical definitions are commonly found in academic

journals, textbooks, and specialized literature within specific professions
or industries.
Activity 1:
Determine whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE
based on your understanding of technical and operational
definitions.
3. Both technical and operational definitions are important
for ensuring clear communication and understanding of concepts within
specific contexts.

4. Technical definitions describes how a particular

concept is identified, measured, or manipulated in real-world settings.
Activity 1:
Determine whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE
based on your understanding of technical and operational
definitions.
5. Operational definitions are primarily concerned with
theoretical concepts rather than practical applications.
6. Operational definitions are more flexible and subject
to interpretation compared to technical definitions.
7. Technical definitions provides a clear explanation of
specialized or specific concepts, terms, or jargon used within the
context of the study
Activity 1:
Determine whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE
based on your understanding of technical and operational
definitions.
8. An operational definition is the same with conceptual
definition.
9. The purpose of defining the term in a research study
is to keep them unambiguous, thereby reducing errors.

10. A technical definition of "food" makes us grow

bigger and taller.
Activity 2:
Construct sentences using the words below into Technical and
Operational Definitions.

A. Software

B. Savings

C. Theory

D. Love