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CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES Conceptualizing and Operationalizing Variables Asia Strength SOCI331: Research Methods for Sociology Dr. Lupo 24 January 2024

CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES Definitions Conceptual Definition Conceptual definition is a research method that helps establish clarity and understanding of key terms or concepts being studied. It is what exactly is to be measured or observed in a study. Conceptual definition assists the research process and provides a clear and concise explanation of what is being studied. The purpose of conceptual definition is to establish a clear understanding of the concept being measured. In other words, it breaks down a complex concept to allow researchers or readers to understand it completely. Instead of using a strict, by-the-book definition, conceptual definition allows researchers to explain the meaning of a concept in its entirety to help readers understand. An example of conceptual definition is the concept of stress. Instead of simply stating that stress is a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation, (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 1999), you would instead delve deeper into the underlying principles of stress, such as risk factors, causes, and health conditions concerning it. Conceptual definitions provide a more comprehensive understanding of the concepts being studied or discussed, allowing for deeper analysis. Conceptual definition is an essential tool in research, it allows scholars to clearly define concepts, avoid confusion and create a more accurate analysis. Operational Definition Operational Definition is a research method that refers to how to assess the concept being studied. Just like conceptual definition, operational definition plays a critical role in providing clear and precise observations to measure the concept. Operational definition focuses on the practical implementation and measurement of a concept. It provides clear and direct procedures

CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES for measuring or observing a concept. Specifically, operational definition outlines the specific variables used to assess or quantify a concept. Conceptual definition and operational definition are two different approaches used to define and understand concepts but are necessary when researching. Conceptualizing the Variable Race Race is a complex concept that has shaped societies and influenced individuals throughout history. The variable race can be conceptually defined as a social construct that categorizes people into groups based on various sets of physical features shared by people within a particular group. Physical features include skin color, hair texture, facial features and other physical features that would be distinct from outside of the group. Race is not a simple concept, since some people who may share the same physical features may also have a lot of differences in those “similarities.” Race is a social construct used to categorize and separate individuals or groups based on physical characteristics. It is the product of human categorization and classification systems used throughout history to identify individuals and categorize them into groups. Race is not a biologically determined characteristic but rather a product of historical, cultural, and societal factors. The concept of race was created to establish social groups, power dynamics, discrimination, inequality, and social injustice. On the other hand, it is also important to establish a clear and confident operational definition of the variable “race.” The operation definition of race is referred to as a complex concept that has been subject to discussion in the fields of sociology, anthropology and genetics. The operational definition of race examines it as a fluid and dynamic concept that is influenced by historical, political and social factors.

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CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES United States Census Bureau Changes The United States Census Bureau is a government agency that was established in 1902, that is responsible for the source of valuable statistical data about the American population and economy. One of the biggest changes the Bureau of the Census made in the 2010 census was the introduction of identifying yourself as more than one race. This change was caused by the growing population of diverse races and ethnicities within the United States. Furthermore, the bureau adjusted the wording and format of the racial categories to ensure clarity. Racial category terms were changed, for example, Negro was changed to Black or African American. The format was also changed from white being the first race listed to it being in alphabetical order to prevent hierarchy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2010), the inclusion of this option aimed to provide a more accurate representation of the nation’s racial composition and diversity. Additionally, it allowed the United States to validate individuals with mixed racial backgrounds. Another change made in the 2010 census was the addition of the “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander,” “Hispanic or Latino,” and “other.” The addition of these classifications provided variety and a more accurate calculation of the United States population. Overall, the 2010 census changed its conceptualization and operationalization of race to provide a clear and fair understanding of how people identified themselves. The introduction of the additional options and the reordering of the racial categories provided a better understanding of race. The changes made by the Bureau of the Census in the 2010 census provided clarity and a more nuanced understanding of race, acknowledging its complexity, and embracing the diversity of the United States Population.

CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES How Changes to Variables Affect Conclusions Operationalization refers to the process of defining and measuring variables in a study or research. Different interpretations and research can always conclude with different results each time. According to a study conducted by Poole, Grier, and Thomas, (2021), difference in operationalization can produce different findings conclusions about the concept being studied. When it comes to race, the operationalization of race can lead to different conclusions. The definition and measurement of race can vary across studies, which results in different findings and conclusions. If race is operationalized solely as a biological or genetic factor, the conclusions drawn from the study would likely focus on individual-level differences. If race is based on self- identification, it could ignore the complex social and historical factors that contribute to racial disparities. If it were operationalized with additional criteria, it could provide a more comprehensive understanding of race. In summary, operationalizing race can lead to different outcomes, which could have a significant impact on the overall understanding and conclusions of racial dynamics. Reflection Personally, I do believe that the Bureau’s conceptualization and operationalization does coincide with mine. I am a mix-race person, my mother claims Mexican, and my father is African American. Last year I participated in a DNA draw through ancestry and discovered that I am mixed with many races. Before the Bureau’s changes, race was a social construct based on physical features such as skin color, hair texture and physical features. The Bureau’s changes provided individuals the opportunity to identify themselves. The purpose of the change was collecting a more accurate statistical data of United States population. The only issue I observed

CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES is the lack of “mixed racial” categorization. Adding this category could provide the United States with an even more accurate analysis of our population.

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CONCEPTUALIZING AND OPERATIONALIZING VARIABLES References Ford, M. E., & Kelly, P. A. (2005). Conceptualizing and categorizing race and ethnicity in health services research. Health services research , 40 (5 Pt 2), 1658–1675. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2005.00449.x Poole, Sonja Martin; Grier, Sonya A.; Thomas, Kevin D.; Sobande, Francesca; Ekpo, Akon E.; Torres, Lez Trujillo; Addington, Lynn A.; Weekes-Laidlow, Melinda; and Henderson, Geraldine Rosa, "Operationalizing Critical Race Theory in the Marketplace" (2021). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications . 564. https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/564

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