Which statement best describes an operational definition?

• A. It describes the function of the behavior.
• B. It is a description of the consequences.
• C. It is observable and measurable.
• D. It is a guess about the cause.

Answer: (C)

An operational definition is a clear, objective rule that specifies exactly what counts as the behavior and how it will be measured, so observers can reliably identify instances across people and settings. It focuses on observable actions and the measurable aspects such as frequency, duration, or intensity, rather than thoughts, motives, or speculative causes. This is why it’s the best description: it gives specific criteria everyone can agree on and record. The other ideas describe why a behavior happens (its function), what happens after it (consequences), or guesses about causes, none of which provide the concrete, observable criteria needed for consistent measurement. For example, you might operationally define a tantrum as “crying with flailing arms for at least 3 seconds and requiring adult redirection.” This makes the behavior observable and measurable and suitable for data collection.