C.1 Create operational definitions of behavior

An operational definition is a clear and simple description of a specific behavior that can be observed and measured. The goal is to make sure that everyone observing the behavior understands it in the same way and can collect data consistently.

🔑Key Points for Operational Definitions🔑

*They should be observable (something you can see).

*They should be measurable (something you can count or track).

Examples:

*Uncontrolled Child Behavior at the Store:

• A mother might say, “Every time we go to the store, the child loses control.” However, the key is to define exactly what “losing control” means.

• Example of an operational definition:

  "The child runs in the aisles of the store."

  • This is observable because you can see a child running.

  • It is measurable because you can count the number of times the child runs.

    
    

• Another operational definition for the same child could be:

  "The child takes things from the store shelves."

  • This is observable because you can see the child taking items.

  • It is measurable because you can count how many items the child takes.

    
    

*Feedback in the Office:

• Instead of vague feedback like "be more creative," an operational definition could be:

  "The employee generates creative ideas that are new, engaging, and can be easily implemented."

  • This is observable because you can see the ideas the employee generates.

  • It is measurable because you can track how many new ideas are produced.

Having clear, operational definitions allows everyone (whether teachers, parents, or employees) to track and measure behavior consistently and accurately, leading to better understanding and more effective interventions.