When a cognitive psychologist measures hypothetical constructs about memory by counting the number of words that participants recall in a learning experiment, the psychologist is using a(n):
A) quasi-experimental design.
B) operational definition of memory.
C) approach that allows for a causal inference.
D) philosophical approach to research.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An operational definition is a clear, concise, and unambiguous definition of how to measure or manipulate a variable. In this case, the number of words recalled is the operational definition of memory being measured in the experiment.

When a Cognitive Psychologist Measures Hypothetical Constructs About Memory by Counting