Theoretical definition
Atheoretical definitiondefines a term in an academic discipline, functioning as a proposal to see a phenomenon in a certain way. A theoretical definition is a proposed way of thinking about potentially related events.[1][2]Theoretical definitions containbuilt-intheories; they cannot be simply reduced to describing a set of observations. The definition may contain implicitinductionsanddeductiveconsequences that are part of the theory.[3]A theoretical definition of a term can change, over time, based on the methods in the field that created it.
Without afalsifiableoperational definition,conceptual definitions assume both knowledge and acceptance of the theories that it depends on.[1]Ahypothetical constructmay serve as a theoretical definition, as can astipulative definition.
In different fields[edit]
Sciences[edit]
The termscientific theoryis reserved for concepts that are widely accepted. Ascientific lawoften refers to regularities that can be expressed by a mathematical statement. However, there is no consensus about the distinction between these terms.[4]Every scientific concept must have anoperational definition,however the operational definition can use both direct observations andlatent variables.[5]
Natural sciences[edit]
In the natural sciences, a concept is an abstract conclusion drawn from observations.[5]
Social and health sciences[edit]
Social and health sciences interact with non-empirical fields and use both observation based and pre-existing concepts such as intelligence, race, and gender.
- In psychology the term "conceptual definition" is used for a concept variable.[6]
Interdisciplinary[edit]
Mostinterdisciplinaryfields are designed to address specific real world concerns and the status of theoretical definitions in interdisciplinary fields is still evolving.[7]
Examples[edit]
| Theoretical or Conceptual definition | Operational definition |
| Weight: a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object | a result of measurement of an object on aNewtonspring scale |
In natural science[edit]
The definitions of substances as various configurations of atoms are theoretical definitions, as are definitions ofcolorsas specificwavelengthsof reflected light.
Physics[edit]
The firstpostulateofspecial relativitytheory that thespeed of lightin vacuum is the same to all inertial observers (i.e. it is a constant, and therefore a good measure of length). Of interest, this theoretical concept is the basis of anoperational definitionfor the length of ametreis"the distance traveled bylightin avacuumduring a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of asecond".Thus we have defined 'metre' according to other ideas contained in modern scientific theory. Rejection of the theory underlying a theoretical definition leaves the definition invalid for use in argument with those who reject it — neither side will advance its position by using terms the others do not accept[citation needed].
Heatexplains a collection of various laws of nature and that predict certain results.[2]
In Medicine[edit]
In social science[edit]
Union[edit]
In psychology, the concept of intelligence is meant to explain correlations in performance on certain cognitive tasks.[8]Recent models suggest several cognitive processes may be involved in tasks that have been associated with intelligence.[9]However, overall the"g" or general intelligence factoris relatively supported by research[citation needed],though there arechallenges.
Philosophy[edit]
Differing theoretical definitions of "thinking" have caused conflict amongstartificial intelligence philosophers,illustrated for example by the different responses to theChinese roomexperiment.[citation needed]Some philosophers might call "thought" merely"having the ability to convince another person that you can think".[citation needed]Anoperational definitioncorresponding to this theoretical definition could be a simple conversation test (e.g.Turing test). Others believe that better theoretical and operational definitions are required.
See also[edit]
- Construct (philosophy)
- General Conference on Weights and Measures
- International Committee for Weights and Measures
- Latent variable
- Operational definition
- Stipulative definitions
References[edit]
- ^abAbout, Logical Arguments, "Theoretical Definitions"
- ^abA Concise Introduction to Logicby Patrick J. Hurley. 2007. Cengage learning. Entry on "Theoretical Definitions" may even be available through google books[full citation needed]
- ^(6 January 2009).Theory and Observation in Science.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
- ^Scientific Laws And Theories.Retrieved 5 December 2016.
- ^abWatt, James H.; van den Berg, Sjef (2002).Philosophy of Science, Empiricism, and the Scientific Method.p. 11.Retrieved24 March2015.
- ^Hypotheses.Retrieved on 5 December 2016.
- ^Defining Interdisciplinary Studies.Retrieved on 5 December 2016.
- ^"Intelligent intelligence testing".American Psychological Association.Retrieved24 March2015.
- ^Conway, Andrew R.A; Cowan, Nelson; Bunting, Michael F; Therriault, David J; Minkoff, Scott R.B (1999). "A latent variable analysis of working memory capacity, short-term memory capacity, processing speed, and general fluid intelligence".Intelligence.30(2): 163–183.doi:10.1016/S0160-2896(01)00096-4.