A conceptual definition is an element of the scientific research process, in which a specific concept is defined as a measurable occurrence. It basically gives you the meaning of the concept. It is mostly used in fields of philosophy, psychology, communication studies. This is especially important when conducting a content analysis.
Examples of ideas that are often conceptually defined include intelligence, knowledge, tolerance, and preference.
Following the establishment of a conceptual definition, the researcher must use an operational definition to indicate how the abstract concept will be measured.
Conceptual vs operational definition
| Conceptual definition |
Operational definition |
| Weight: a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object |
a result of measurement of an object on a Newton spring scale |
|