Question

What are conceptual and operational definitions? Give both types for the term "religious." How are independent variables in experiments different from those in quasi-experimental designs? What type of IV is often used in an ex post facto study?

Answer 1

A conceptual definition explains what the concept means, what our constructs are by explaining how they are related to other constructs.

An operational definition only explains us how to measure a phenomena, it talks about a concept in technical sense.

A conceptual definition for the term 'religious' can be- an individual associated with practices, ceremonies and rituals intended to confirm to a religion.

An operational definition for the same can be a description of beliefs and patterns of behavior of a person learned among a specific set of people of the same beliefs.

Difference between experiment and quasi experiment is that in both, independent variables are manipulated but in quasi experiment, participants are not randomly assigned to conditions unlike a true experiment.

In ex post facto study, quasi experimental study is used, where independent variable is manipulated to see the results on dependent variable but the participants are not randomly assigned.