What does operationalization refer to in research?

Operationalization refers to the process of defining variable measurement, which is crucial in research. This involves specifying how abstract concepts or variables will be measured or observed in practical terms. For example, if a researcher is studying "socioeconomic status," operationalization might involve defining it through specific indicators such as income level, education, and occupation. This clarity allows researchers to collect data that can be quantified or categorized, thus enabling them to analyze relationships between variables effectively.

In contrast to operationalization, the processes of collecting data, analyzing qualitative data, and formulating hypotheses focus on different stages of the research process. Collecting data happens after variables have been operationalized, while analyzing qualitative data specifically pertains to a method of handling gathered information. Formulating a hypothesis generally occurs earlier in the research process when a researcher is establishing the relationship they seek to investigate, but it does not involve the specific definitions and measurements needed to carry out the research itself.