Operational definitions in sociology.

Abstract

A hypothetical concept CN and a refined Cn rate are operationally defined. By using this example, certain weaknesses of operationism are pointed out. The attempt is made to show that operational definitions hamper scientific advance by their inadequacy in dealing with new situations, with situations not measurable as yet, with improvements of measurement, and with choice among various available measurements, and by their inaccessibility to constructive criticism. Four criteria are suggested, and operational definitions are subjected to these criteria.