SPCE 609: Operational Definitions
questions n correct answers rated A+
2025/2026
Operational Definition - ANS ✔✔allows continuity of instructions (continuous between
observers); limits observer drift (very little gray area or 'wiggle room'); allows for verification of
response by a naive third party.
Operational definitions should be extremely _____________. - ANS ✔✔precise
Precision - ANS ✔✔the observer is certain of what 'is' and 'isn't' that type of response.
Precision should be __________________ and _______________ indicators that the observer
can collect data on. - ANS ✔✔observable; measurable.
Precision is useful because it helps to: - ANS ✔✔ensure that everyone is one the same page;
allows consistency in talking about the target response that you'd likely increase, decrease, etc.
The two ways you can define target response are _________________ and ________________.
- ANS ✔✔functionally; topographical
Functionally - ANS ✔✔describes the impact the behavior has on the environment; what actually
happens when the behavior occurs.
ex. hitting: six inches or greater making contact with another individual with an auditory sound.
Topographical - ANS ✔✔doesn't tell you the impact the response has on the environment, but
rather tells you the form of the behavior.
questions n correct answers rated A+
2025/2026
Operational Definition - ANS ✔✔allows continuity of instructions (continuous between
observers); limits observer drift (very little gray area or 'wiggle room'); allows for verification of
response by a naive third party.
Operational definitions should be extremely _____________. - ANS ✔✔precise
Precision - ANS ✔✔the observer is certain of what 'is' and 'isn't' that type of response.
Precision should be __________________ and _______________ indicators that the observer
can collect data on. - ANS ✔✔observable; measurable.
Precision is useful because it helps to: - ANS ✔✔ensure that everyone is one the same page;
allows consistency in talking about the target response that you'd likely increase, decrease, etc.
The two ways you can define target response are _________________ and ________________.
- ANS ✔✔functionally; topographical
Functionally - ANS ✔✔describes the impact the behavior has on the environment; what actually
happens when the behavior occurs.
ex. hitting: six inches or greater making contact with another individual with an auditory sound.
Topographical - ANS ✔✔doesn't tell you the impact the response has on the environment, but
rather tells you the form of the behavior.
