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Define the process of operationalization in psychological research and describe the specific example of how researchers converted the abstract concept of 'diffusion of responsibility' into an experimental design.
Question: Define the process of operationalization in psychological research and describe the specific example of how researchers converted the abstract concept of 'diffusion of responsibility' into an experimental design.
Sample answer: Operationalization is the critical process of converting an abstract, theoretical research question or phenomenon into a specific, measurable experimental design. This means figuring out a concrete way to observe or manipulate the concept in a study. For example, researchers operationalized the theoretical concept of 'diffusion of responsibility' by designing a simulated crisis experiment where they specifically manipulated the number of potential helpers who were present.
Key points:
- Identifies operationalization as converting a conceptual, theoretical research question into a specific, measurable experimental design.
- Mentions taking an abstract phenomenon and figuring out a concrete way to manipulate or observe it.
- Describes the example of the theoretical concept of 'diffusion of responsibility'.
- Explains that this concept was operationalized by manipulating the number of potential helpers present during a simulated crisis.
Rubric: A full credit response must accurately define operationalization and accurately recount the diffusion of responsibility example provided in the text.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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