operationalism

noun

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al·​ism ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce operationalism (audio)
: a view that the concepts or terms used in nonanalytic scientific statements must be definable in terms of identifiable and repeatable operations
operationalist noun
operationalistic adjective

Examples of operationalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other philosophers found this way of thinking — known as operationalism — an intellectual cop‐out. Quanta Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021 Smith and other foes of operationalism complain that such definitions rely on what a group of people generally agree on. Quanta Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operationalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

operational + -ism

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operationalism was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near operationalism

Cite this Entry

“Operationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operationalism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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