In research, defining your terms and making sure they are clear is critical. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between defining key terms and operational definitions:

Definition of Key Terms
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This involves explaining the concepts, terms, and variables used in your study. These definitions are typically based on existing literature and theories. They provide a common understanding for the reader and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding what each term means.

Operational Definitions
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These take the definitions of key terms a step further by specifying how these terms and concepts will be measured and observed in the study. Operational definitions are concrete and detailed, describing the procedures, actions, or processes used to collect and analyze data. They transform abstract concepts into measurable entities.

Example:
- Key Term Definition: Stress might be defined as a feeling of emotional or physical tension.
- Operational Definition: Stress could be operationally defined as a score above 20 on a specific stress questionnaire or the amount of cortisol detected in a participant's saliva sample.