When comparing qualitative and a quantitative approaches to measurement,operationalization in the qualitative approach involves which of the following?
A)More of an “after-the-fact”description based on what was observed in the data than based on a preplanned idea
B)A researcher taking a carefully developed theoretical definition and developing specific empirical indicators of it for use when later gathering data
C)A process that comes after careful conceptualization;operationalization never comes before careful conceptualization in qualitative research
D)There is no difference between qualitative and quantitative operationalization.
E)There is no operationalization in qualitative research.

Question

When comparing qualitative and a quantitative approaches to measurement,operationalization in the qualitative approach involves which of the following?
A)More of an &ldquo;after-the-fact&rdquo;description based on what was observed in the data than based on a preplanned idea
B)A researcher taking a carefully developed theoretical definition and developing specific empirical indicators of it for use when later gathering data
C)A process that comes after careful conceptualization;operationalization never comes before careful conceptualization in qualitative research
D)There is no difference between qualitative and quantitative operationalization.
E)There is no operationalization in qualitative research.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, operationalization is often more of an "after-the-fact" description based on what was observed in the data, rather than based on a preplanned idea. Qualitative research often involves a more exploratory approach, and researchers may not have a clear idea of what they are looking for until they start analyzing data. As such, operationalization may be a process of identifying patterns or themes in the data and describing them in a way that can be understood and communicated to others. This is different from the carefully developed theoretical definitions and specific empirical indicators that are typically used in quantitative research.

When Comparing Qualitative and a Quantitative Approaches to Measurement,operationalization in the Qualitative