Give Technical and Operational Definitions
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.
A technical definition states or describes exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of something.
Guidelines for Writing Technical Definitions
1. Be accurate. Use precise terms.
Examples:
∙ Weak definition: Data is an information in digital form that can be transmitted or processed. ∙ Accurate and
precise definition: Data are the quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a
computer, being stored and transmitted in the form of electrical signals and recorded on magnetic, optical, or
mechanical recording media.
2. Be objective. Use facts, not opinions.
Examples:
∙ Opinionated definition: A questionnaire is not valid and reliable for the study.
∙ Factual definition: A questionnaire is a set of printed or written questions with a choice of answers,
devised for the purposes of a survey or statistical study.
3. Grade your language. Match it to the knowledge level of your readers.
Examples:
∙ Complex and complicated definition: Research is a systematic investigation into and study of materials
and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
∙ Simple and clear definition: Research is collecting of information about a particular subject.
An operational definition gives an obvious, precise, and communicable meaning to a concept that is used to
ensure comprehensive knowledge of the idea by specifying how the idea is measured and applied within a
particular set of circumstances
Technical vs Operational Definition
∙ Technical definition mostly refers to the aspect of explaining or describing any technical terms or
terminology. Technical definitions could be used in expanding the vocabulary since most of these terms
are explained in the exact manner. Examples include the terms and definitions of the words found in
dictionary.
∙ Operational definition, on the other hand, is more on the application of the word. For example, these may
include the various attempts to define or explain a certain process and its properties including but not
limited to the characteristics of the event itself.
Examples:
TERM TECHNICAL DEFINITION OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
data Information in digital form that can The quantities, characters, or symbols
be transmitted or processed. on which operations are performed by
a computer, being stored and
transmitted in the form of electrical
signals and recorded on magnetic,
optical, or mechanical recording
media.
computer It is a device or machine used in It is something used in doing
performing, assessing, evaluating homework or browsing the internet.
and following commands set by
the users.