Learn Before
Short Answer

An investigator is designing an observational study to measure physical aggression among children during recess. Using the standard definition of aggression, construct one clear operational definition of a physical behavior that observers can reliably code as aggression.

Question: An investigator is designing an observational study to measure physical aggression among children during recess. Using the standard definition of aggression, construct one clear operational definition of a physical behavior that observers can reliably code as aggression.

Sample answer: An operational definition of physical aggression for this study is coding any instance where a child deliberately hits, kicks, or pushes another child. This specifies an observable physical behavior directed at another person that is designed to cause physical harm or pain.

Key points:

  • The operational definition specifies a concrete, observable physical action (e.g., hitting, kicking).
  • The definition specifies that the behavior must be directed at another person.
  • The behavior is defined in a way that implies an intention to cause harm or pain.

Rubric: The response must propose a concrete, observable physical behavior (e.g., hitting, kicking, pushing) and explicitly state that this behavior must be directed at another person with the apparent intention to cause harm or pain.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-26

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related