The question of operationalisation

[Persimmon]

Can anybody define what is meant by the term 'operationalisation', as used in the context of case definitions?

The terms is used frequently, yet never explained.

It appears to mean something different to merely establishing validity or reliability - the two standard ways of evaluating a case definition.

A google search predominantly returns items relating to the need to operationalise ME/CFS case definitions... I'm aware operationalisation was a big issue when psychiatry tried to reform itself through the creation of DSM-III.

 

[barbc56]

Operationalisation, means making all the variables in a science study to be measurable with numerical values. It also takes into consideration of a priori or plausibility of a hypothesis based on what is known. A good example of a study that does not take into consideration is measuring is if parachutes reduce the death rates when jumping out of a flying plane. This is a classic example that is used all the time and not mine.

Measuring something with numerical values is sometimes very hard to do, especially in the softer or social science. Here's one reference I found. I haven't reviewed it, yet, so keep that in mind. The first one is very critical of some forms of statistical analysis.

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/5-out-of-4-americans-do-not-understand-statistics/

http://www.studymates.co.uk/chap4q.PDF

This one concerns ethics and operationalisation.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/...sCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false