operationalism
Operationalism is applied when a scientist measures temperature with a precise thermometer.
Noun: 1. A philosophical doctrine in the philosophy of science: Operationalism is the theory that the meaning of a scientific concept is defined entirely by the set of operations or procedures used to measure or verify it. A concept is considered meaningful only if it can be defined through specific, observable operations.
Operationalism is used primarily in academic and scientific discussions concerning the foundations and methodology of science. It addresses how we define abstract concepts in concrete, testable terms. * The term is most commonly used as a singular, uncountable noun (e.g., "Operationalism was influential."). * It can be modified by adjectives like "strict," "radical," or "Bridgman's" (referring to its founder, Percy Bridgman).
- In philosophy of science: "Operationalism insists that intelligence, for example, must be defined by the specific tests used to measure it, not by a vague, theoretical construct."
- Discussing scientific methodology: "The physicist's commitment to operationalism was evident in his refusal to discuss properties of a system that could not be measured experimentally."
- Historical context: "While influential in the early 20th century, strict operationalism has been criticized for being too restrictive for theoretical science."
- Operationalization: This is the practical process of applying operationalist principles. It refers to the act of defining a variable or concept by the specific steps taken to measure it.
- Example: "The operationalization of 'stress' in their study involved measuring cortisol levels and heart rate variability."
- Operational Definition: A definition that states the exact procedures (operations) used to identify or measure a concept.
- Example: "The paper provided an operational definition of 'learning' as a 10% improvement in test scores after a training session."
- Operationalist (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of operationalism.
- Example: "He took an operationalist approach to psychology."
- Operationalist (n): A proponent or adherent of operationalism.
- Example: "The debate featured a realist and an operationalist."
- Operationism: A less common, fully synonymous term.
- Positivism: A broader philosophical movement emphasizing empirical evidence and scientific method, within which operationalism is often situated. (Note: Not a perfect synonym, but closely related in context.)
- Realism (in philosophy of science): The view that scientific theories describe reality as it truly is, independent of our methods of observation or measurement.
- Essentialism: The belief that things have a true, inherent essence or nature beyond their observable properties.
Operationalism is applied when a scientist measures temperature with a precise thermometer.
- (philosophy) the doctrine that the meaning of a proposition consists of the operations involved in proving or applying it