Chapter 5: Conceptualization and Operationalization

In this chapter, we’ll discuss measurement, conceptualization, and operationalization. If you’re not quite sure what any of those words mean, or even how to pronounce them, no need to worry. By the end of the chapter, you should be able to wow your friends and family with your newfound knowledge of these three difficult to pronounce, but relatively simple to grasp, terms.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define measurement.
• Describe Kaplan’s three categories of the things that social scientists measure.
• Identify the stages at which measurement is important.
• Define concept.
• Describe why defining our concepts is important.
• Describe how conceptualization works.
• Define dimensions in terms of social scientific measurement.
• Describe reification.
• Describe how operationalization works.
• Define and give an example of indicators.
• Define reliability and give examples of different types
• Define validity and give examples of different types
• Define and provide examples for each of the four levels of measurement.