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55), variables can have a range of focal points; from the very wide to the very narrow. Economic stability is an example of a variable with a wide focus, while preschool IQ scores is an example of a narrowly focused variable. The wider the focus, the greater the potential for specifying a number of indicators to measure them.
The operationalization of variables will then depend upon the research questions. The first stage of this process is then to define the variable in precise terms, while the second stage is to select indicators by means of which the variable can be measured (Majchrzak, 1984, p. 56).
When taking the example of teacher training, the variable can for example be operationalized in terms of the certification level of teachers as determined by their official credentials. Indicators towards this end could be elements such as number of years of schooling, teaching diploma, experience, cognitive ability, and salary (Majchrzak, 1984, p. 56). The certification level of teachers can then be measured in terms of these indicators.
In policy research, the choices we make regarding concept formation can significantly expand outcomes of and possibilities for our research. What is important is to make effective choices in terms of the initial concepts selected for research. The concept of accountability is for example not only current, but also relevant to policy and administrative research today (Steets, 2004, p. 6). Policymakers and administrators must be held accountable for the pledge they make to serve the highest public good. While operationalizing this concept can limit the research to a very narrow focus, it...
Furthermore, operationalizing can reveal the need for further research in the same area, but with a different focus.
The broad concept of accountability can then be limited to indicators such as financial accountability. During the research of this concept in public administration, further research needs can be revealed in terms of related concepts such as service accountability, for example. Administrators might be financially accountable, but deliver very poor services to the members of the public to whom they are accountable, for example.
In conclusion, administrative and policy research is extremely important in terms of defining, and operationalizing the concepts involved. It is furthermore important to account for this process by clearly identifying and delineating the processes followed. These processes can then be standardized for future research to make the process more effective and efficient. Policy makers and public administrators, as well as the public they serve, will benefit from these processes.
References
Dantzker, M.L. And Hunter, R.D. (2006). Research Methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice: A Primer. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Majchrzak, A. (1984). Methods for Policy Research. California: Sage Publications.
Steets, J. (2004). Developing a Framework: Concepts and Research Priorities for Partnership Accountability. Global Public Policy Institute: Research Paper Series No. 1. Retrieved from: http://www.gppi.net/fileadmin/gppi/Steets_Paper_1_04082005.pdf
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