What does operationalization refer to in research methodology?

Operationalization refers to the process of defining a concept in measurable terms so that it can be systematically assessed. This involves specifying the indicators or variables that will represent the concept in a research study. By operationalizing a concept, researchers can translate abstract ideas into concrete measures, which allows them to collect data that can be analyzed statistically.

For instance, if a researcher is studying "anxiety," operationalization might involve using specific questionnaires or physiological measurements (like heart rate) as indicators of anxiety levels. This clear definition enables the researcher to objectively assess and draw conclusions about the concept being studied.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of operationalization. Collecting data through surveys pertains to a method of data collection rather than the definition of a concept, analyzing qualitative data is a distinct research methodology that often focuses on non-numeric information, and generating hypotheses is part of the preliminary research process that occurs before specific measurement and operationalization take place.