Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to operationalism: Pertaining to the philosophical doctrine that defines scientific concepts strictly in terms of the specific operations used to measure or verify them.
   • Espousing operationalism: Supporting or advocating for the principles of operationalism.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The researcher took an operationalist approach, defining intelligence solely by the scores on a specific test.
  • His operationalist viewpoint was clear in the debate, as he insisted every concept must have a measurable procedure.

Advanced Usage

• Operationalist critique: A criticism based on the principles of operationalism.
  • The paper presented an operationalist critique of the vague terminology used in the theory.

Variants and Related Words

• Operationalism (n): The philosophical doctrine itself.

  • Operationalism was influential in the philosophy of science during the early 20th century.

• Operationalize (v): To define a concept in measurable terms.

  • The team needed to operationalize the variable "customer satisfaction" for their survey.

Synonyms

• Positivist: Relating to a system of thought that emphasizes observable, scientific facts.
• Empiricist: Based on or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory.

Related Phrases

• Operationalist definition: A definition that specifies the exact operations for measurement.
  • The manual provided an operationalist definition for "engine failure."

Adjective

1. of or relating to or espousing operationalism
   • operationalist doctrine