Dictionary Definitions Provide a Useful Basis for the Operationalization or Measurement

question 23

True/False

Dictionary definitions provide a useful basis for the operationalization or measurement of your concepts in the data collection stage of the research process.

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Definitions:

Intellectual Disability

Significant limitations in intellectual functioning (i.e., IQ < 70; below the 2nd percentile) and adaptive behaviour, including communication, social, and community skills (i.e., below the 2nd percentile). The disability occurs before the age of 18.

Marijuana Intoxication

The physiologic and psychoactive effects experienced after consuming marijuana, including altered perception, mood changes, and impaired coordination.

Schizophrenia

One of the most serious psychological disorders, characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. There are overall, adverse changes in thought, perception, emotion, and motor behaviour, and a feeling of depersonalization. Behaviour in some instances appears to be “autistic,” in the sense of being governed by internal stimuli or private events. The individual may be unresponsive to environmental stimuli that would normally prompt reactions, or may respond in a way that suggests a distorted interpretation of the stimuli. Ordinary objects or events seem to take on a marked personal significance. There is pronounced disruption of cognitive transactions: thought and language appear to become loosened from the normal constraints that make for coherent sequences of ideas and distinguish fantasy from reality. Often, some notion or theme involving malevolent forces or inordinate personal power increasingly commands the individual’s attention. Many people with schizophrenia appear to lose their intensity. Language may become impoverished, with little apparent effort or success at communication. They may become withdrawn socially and exhibit little interest in formerly enjoyable pursuits. Attention span may be markedly reduced. From the Greek schizein, “to split,” and phrenos, “mind.”

Epidemiological Research

The study of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in specified populations.