Operational Definition

An operational definition concisely defines a term by characterizing the functional use of that term. Operational definitions focus on prototypical usage or usage in practice. Operational definitions should be concise—ordinarily be no more than one to three sentences in length.

Example: Order Form

A document describing a commercial transaction in terms of the buyer, the buyer's location, the seller, the terms of the sale, and the items to be sold.

Last Modified January 2004. Send your comments?

©2002, 2003 John M. Artim