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fisherandhunterblog · 6 years ago

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11 Best Fishing Gear for Saltwater and Freshwater Kayak Fishing

Best Casting and Spinning Rods, Reels and Accessories for Saltwater and Freshwater Kayak FishingHow’s your fishing lately? I hope it was really fun! Saltwater and freshwater fishing are really challenging. You need durable and more advanced spinning rod, spinning reel, waterproof gear bags, trolling motor battery charger, life jackets for kids, polarized sunglasses, sun hat, fishing line, fishing pliers, line winder spooler and seat for fishing picnics.The first time I encounter the fishing world, I have not yet learned the basic skills that I really need. I did not focus on the gears and equipment that I should use when fishing. It was really hard for me.I searched different kinds of gears that I should bring on my next fishing adventure. I decided to purchase them all and tried so hard to know the basics in fishing. Thankfully, with these gears, I never experienced disappointment and regret anymore. These fishing gears really helped me a lot during my kayak fishing.Now, I want to share with you the best items that would really help you out when fishing. Let’s go! Best Spinning Rod of 2018Are you planning to fish in saltwater or freshwater? Most anglers just chose their spinning rod without considering the place where they will be spending the time in fishing. There are the things you should consider before purchasing a spinning rod.LengthSpinning rods have different lengths. The length determines the kind of control you have when casting a fish. It is important to know how far you will need to cast, your casting position and the type of bait you will be using.If you have longer rods, it has a faster tip speed which allows them to cast farther. They can also absorb the shock when fighting with bigger fish to prevent the line from breaking. However, shorter spinning rod provides more accuracy and control. It can only cast short to medium distances. This short spinning rod gives more leverage and maneuverability where there is heavy vegetation. WeightRod’s weight is also important. It indicates the strength and weight of its tip that can sustain without even snapping. Weight includes ultra-light, light, medium light, medium, medium heavy, heavy, and extra heavy. The right weight also depends on the line, size of the fish, lure weights and the type of fishing you will be doing.If your rod is heavy, you can also do kayak fishing in saltwater. If your rod is medium it means that you can handle a wide range of small to larger fish sizes to moderate cover. ActionThe action indicates how a spinning rod bends when there is a load at its tip, how it recovers when the weight is removed.It also affects the casting and other types of fishing situations. There are types of action rods such as extra fast, fast, medium, and slow actions.Extra fast action spinning rods are very sensitive and cast long distances. They produce quick hook sets and also popular for jigging and trolling.Medium action rods are also sensitive and flexible. They hook well and can cast mid-weight crankbaits and lighter lures.Slow action rods bend uniformly. They are the most flexible for ultra-light fishing of small baitfish. The set hooks slower and gentler which prevents the light rod and line from snapping. DurabilityYou definitely love to have a high-quality of the spinning rod. If you are planning to go fishing in the saltwater area, be sure to have a good quality of rod that is made strong and equipped with corrosion resistant finishes and components. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning RodIf you are really interested in fishing, spinning rods will help you out. This kind of rod will make your learning curve easier and more enjoyable and fun. They are efficiently and accurately cast lines and light lures farther away.

Check Latest Price This Shakespeare’s fishing rod is the number one among fishing rods nowadays. This rod has a strong and balanced graphite and fiberglass construction. Even though it has a name “Ugly” doesn’t mean the functions are ugly too. It has a durable one-piece stainless guide and clear tip design for strength and sensitivity. It’s no joke, right?Most anglers think the heavier your equipment, the durable it is. Well, not all heavier things are durable. This fishing rod is lightweight and durable too! The manufacturers really improved the components and made it an eye-catching design and style for a modern look. It has a 7-year warranty which will prove its strength and durability. Best Spinning Reel of 2018Without the help of a spinning reel, how could we get our big catch under the sea? Reels help us a lot in our daily fishing. They make fishing more exciting and easier. For those who are fishing in saltwater, it is best to choose spinning reels made of graphite. For freshwater, aluminum is the best. Reel SizeWhen choosing your spinning reel, consider also the size. The size is found on the reel’s body on the product details. Fishermen and anglers must determine the size needed to be used. If you have a lighter fishing line, then you would go for a light spinning reel. The pound line is best when it is rated from 6 to 8-pound line.Gear RatioGear ration refers to the number of times the bail rotates around the spool. Remember, the higher the ratio, the faster the retrieve speed. Reel with a ratio of 4:1 is actually considered as low-speed, while 6:1 is a high-speed reel. If you want to catch larger fish, a moderate speed is ideal and the best. Drag SystemIn dragging your line, it is important to drag it smoothly if not, the line would be broken and you will lose the fish. The front drag and the rear drag are the two types of drag systems. The front drag system has multiple large drag washers which increase the performance while the rear drag system is easier to control and access. Among the two, the front drag reels perform better when fighting a bigger target of fish. Anti-reverse HandleAnti-reverse is very important to mention in this area. It has a significant role which is responsible for preventing the handle from moving or spinning backward when trying to pull off the line. The anti-reverse system along with a drag system really works simultaneously. 2. Superb Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel

Check Latest Price Penn is really one of the famous names around the world. They are known for its outstanding fishing equipment and materials for how many years. This spinning reel is also one of the famous and excellent reels among others. This spinning reel has a durable and high-range reel which is ideal for saltwater game fish. It is made of full metal body, motor, side plate and heavy-duty aluminum bail wire for excellent performance and durability. Its HT-100 carbon fiber drag system offers a powerful drag with a smooth operation. Penn really does a great job! The ball bearings have 5 sealed stainless steel and instant anti-reverse bearing. This spinning reel has a line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity. The super line spool has no backing and is braid ready. Best Waterproof Gear Bags for FishingWaterproof dry bags are one of the things we needed when doing some outdoor activities specifically in the water area. Dry bags take up less space than standard bags. They are also ideal for float trips, motorcycle, and other activities. VersatilityYou need to choose a dry bag that has a multi-use ability. Besides from protecting your things from getting wet it also has a large capacity to organize things and allows great versatility in their use. CraftsmanshipThe craftsmanship and materials have to be of the highest quality. They need to remain waterproof and they must provide great protection which allows the bags to be fully submerged even for a short period of time without any water to your valuables.They also need to be strong enough to withstand and stop the water from entering your dry bag. Strong enough to different types of bumps that can happen during your outdoor activities. Of course, high-quality dry bags must be with you for long years.Make sure that your dry bags are comfortable and convenient to carry wherever you go.3. Incredible Unigear Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

Check Latest Price Where could I place my devices and accessories to avoid it by getting wet? Most anglers have problems about all of those. But now, I hope your problem has been solved. This Unigear waterproof bag is proven and guaranteed. It becomes the best-selling waterproof bag specifically in Amazon. It is made lightweight and durable. It gives your accessories protection from getting wet and protects valuables from dirt, dust, sand, and water. Your phones, clothes, camera and even documents will be protected. It’s a waterproof guarantee! For your convenience, it comes with an extra-long removable and adjustable shoulder strap for easy carry and transport wherever you go. This dry bag will meet all your needs to stay dry and will provide a great performance and functions. It fits all smartphones up to 6 inches diagonal size, wallet, money, credit card and other needed things and devices you will carry during fishing or tour. Best Trolling Motor Battery ChargerIt might not hard to choose battery chargers nowadays. But please remember these things in buying your own battery chargers. It must have a dual terminal connection, maintenance-free technology, and longer storage life. Also, consider its durability and cranking power. Of course, it will be the best if it has a sealed battery case to avoid contamination.Now, I will give you tips for the longevity of your battery charger. First, shallow discharges lead to a longer battery life. The maximum safe discharge is 80 percent discharge. Second, don’t leave your batteries deeply charged for a long time. Lastly, charge your batteries after each period of use and don’t ever mix old batteries with new ones. 4. Genius UltraSafe Smart Battery Charger

Check Latest Price Having problems with battery chargers? No more! Every one of us makes sure that everything is ready. There must be alternative solutions if anything went wrong and unexpected. When it comes to battery chargers, I know we are all picky for some reasons. We are picky to avoid being deceived by designs and fake brands. However, this charger can guarantee a great performance and will not leave you hanging. This battery charger is a 6-volt and 12-volt charger and maintainer for lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries up to 120 amp-hours. It has an ultra-safe design featuring spark-proof technology which is great and as well as reverse polarity and overcharge protection.This charger safely charges automotive, marine, power sport, RV and lawn, and garden batteries. There’s more! Same goes with AGM and deep-cycle batteries. Good news for all of us! The manufacturers upgraded its performance for it actively monitors the batteries health and repairs discharged and sulfated batteries to improve battery life. This battery charger is superb! No wonder it became the best-seller this year! Specifications:Brand: NOCOModel: G3500Item Weight: 1 poundProduct Dimensions: 7.7 x 2.7 x 1.9 inches Manufacturer Part Number: G3500Folding: NoAmperage: 3.5 AVoltage: 12 volts Best Life Jackets for Kids FishingFamilies take time to spend with their mostly on weekends. In these hot summer days, it is best to bring your family outside of your house to have some fun. Most of us bring them to beaches and swimming pools or go fishing. As a parent, we are making sure that everyone is safe while having some fun. One of the safest jackets is paddle jumper. Let’s read through to know some of the requirements when buying some.Life Vest MaterialsWhen it comes to our child, their safety is one of our considerations when fishing. Make sure to choose the right life vest or puddle jumper for kids. There is two most common type of materials, nylon which is less expensive. However, it makes it easier and more comfortable for the user. The other one is Neoprene which is more expensive the nylon. It provides comfort and gives a higher amount of buoyancy to keep the user especially the kids afloat.

5. Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket for Kids

Check Latest Price As an angler, it is important to remember the safety of everyone. Even if you are a professional angler without wearing a life jacket becomes dangerous especially when you are with kids. This US Coast Guard-approved life jacket is for kids. It comes with a colorful and a kid-friendly design. It’s made of nylon shell which makes it durable and woven polyester materials for a softer fabric. It has an adjustable buckle at the back which offers a secure fit for your kid. This life jacket specifically designed for your children that weigh 30 to 50 pounds. Your kids can also use this life jacket as a learn-to-swim aid in the water.But remember, you have to look after your kids even though they put their puddle jumper on. Guide them and play with them. Make it a wonderful summer with your kids. SpecificationsProduct Dimensions: 19.2 x 13.5 x 2.8 inches; 13.9 ouncesItem Model Number: 3000002179 Best Polarized Sunglasses for FishingSunglasses help reduce the number of sunrays and brightness. It protects our eyes from harmful UV light, wind, dust, rain and snow. Make sure to choose sunglasses that will suit your needs and wants.Selecting a FrameBefore purchasing it, make sure to think beforehand where you will wear them. You can select the best sunglass that you could wear in your outside activities. Consider the demands an expectation you will place upon this item or product.Consider the Frame MaterialLighter frame suits any kind of sports. You need a frame that can withstand some abuse by using it almost every day. If you want a sunglass that would last for a long time then ready to purchase an expensive one. There are options below.If you want a cheaper one, the standard plastic frame is an option. It is made heavier and less aerodynamic. However, it is a well-made frame that can last for a while. It also has a strong frame that is usually rather lightweight. You may also want to go with a castor frame which is made from castor plants. These frames have similar qualities to acetate ones and it is an eco-friendly frame. If you are looking for a flexible one, you might look into a nylon or nylon-hybrid frame. These frames are styled and designed for the sport that can bend and retain to their original shape.Consider the LensesFor sports, the best sunglass is with polarized lenses. They are slightly expensive but they have many advantages and admirable qualities. They can block UV rays and reduce glare from bright surfaces like as a snowpack. Those anglers and fishermen prefer and choose this style and type of lenses fort hey improve the track and water visibility. BrandThere are many manufacturers evolving around the world. They make different kinds of sunglasses every day. We all know that there are originals and replicas of any products that are being produced everywhere. Be sure to consult the seller before purchasing one. For a great option, you can go visit a shop where you can trust to avoid unexpected situations that could harm your health. 6. Interchangeable Polarized Sport Sunglasses

Check Latest Price Sometimes, it’s really hard to go out when you don’t have any protection from the heat of the sun. Now, it’s time to add these sunglasses as one of your important accessories every time you go out and fish. This sunglass comes with five interchangeable lenses. The entire lens has 100% UV 400 protection coating that blocks 100% harmful UVA & UVB Rays. It restores true color and eliminates reflected light and scattered light. Don’t worry about the scenery, it makes the scenery more clear and soft and the most rational is it protects the eyes perfectly. This sunglass comes with different designs and colors. The main one is the colorful lens, the yellow one is for activities during nighttime and the black one is polarized which is good for driving and other activities.This sunglass is clear, lightweight, durable and stylish at the same time. The cool rimless jacket frame design provides a clear lower visual field. It is made lightweight for the benefit of those who do motorcycling, driving, running fishing, skiing, climbing, trekking, racing, and other outdoor activities. If you are a stylish person, this sunglass is for you with a rich combination of colors of frames and lens. It is scratch resistant, unbreakable and durable because of its compact polycarbonate lens and frames.Some sunglasses make our nose uncomfortable but not like this one, it has a soft rubber nose pad that lets your nose comfortable while wearing these sports sunglasses for running, fishing, golf, and cycling. It also has a lifetime breakage warranty on the frame so you have no risk in purchasing it. Contact the seller without hesitation if anything happens to solve the problem until satisfaction. It provides lifetime after-sale service for all Torege products. The customers have 30 Day Money Back Guarantee that can return and get refunded in case the purchasing is not satisfactory. So, definitely, you have no risk to try. Best Sun Hat for Kayak FishingSun hats are very cool, right? Sun hats are made of different materials and types including the straw sun hat, pith helmet and pressed fiber sun hat. They are very common nowadays. They are very useful in protecting you from UV rays and other harmful effects. Make sure to choose a sun hat that could not only give you a good appearance but also can provide the needs that you are looking for.The Cool FactorA hat may seem just a simple hat for anybody out there. But there is a cool factor at play with them. They are one of the keys to a fashion statement. Before you go choose your own hat, consider also the style and fashion while wearing it on.VentilationVentilation is also important for fishing or other outdoor activities. Direct heat from sunlight may cause some dangerous reactions, particularly on humid warm days. Ventilation on hats will help you cool under the heat of the sun. This can be found in fabrics. The fabric of your hat needs to be soft. For those anglers and fishermen that are bald, sun exposure can be dangerous so it is really needed to keep your head safe and cool.Large mesh holes that are oriented near the top of the hat must be avoided. Small mesh holes are enough to allow the air to pass through while direct sunlight. The best vents are located on the sides of the hat that will still allow plenty of evaporation and cooling while preventing and avoiding sunburn.AdjustabilityThe wind catches the bill of the hat and it goes off into the water, which is a common situation by the way. Make sure to have hats that are adjustable. If you have one, you can get it cinched down tight and loosen it up when fishing. The adjustability of your hat will make you comfortable and convenient during your journey.

7. Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hats

Check Latest Price This cool Bora Bora Booney features UPF 50 to block out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. It carries the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal so it’s really highly recommended to wear especially when fishing and doing some outdoor activities. It has an Omni-Wick sweatband with a mesh vent panel to keep you cool and avoids sweat from dripping in your eyes. It also has a quick-dry property that it will dry in no time. It is made of 100% textured nylon poplin. It has an adjustable drawcord and toggles at back with an adjustable chin strap to add further security. SpecificationProduct Dimension: 15 x 4 x 3 inchesBest Fishing Line for Spinning ReelsThe line is the most important equipment item for an angler. It baits and lures presentation in hooking and landing the fish one hooks. But there are some anglers who don’t know and confused about the types of the line now available and the properties that a line must-haves.Strengths Braided line is stronger than mono-filament line. You can use it in situations where you will be going to face rocks and trees. Choose a fishing line that could withstand some of the elements better than other lines out there.WeaknessesBraided line is one of the strongest lines created ever since. They are difficult to break when you get snagged. You really need to use scissors to cut the line when that situation comes during your fishing. Braided lines are more visible to fish than mono-filament lines. For that reason, it is a good idea to use fluorocarbon lines leader onto a braided fishing line.TipsChoose the line that is merged through various types of fibers than just a single strand of line. In saltwater fishing, you really need a line that is stronger than others and is resistant to hazards. A Must- Have Braided Fishing Line

Check Latest Price Kastking is one of the popular names in the fishing industry. They produce such high-quality braided lines that would satisfy your needs when it comes to lines in fishing. It has a strong knot strength which is dynamically incorporated strands that allow you to easily tie the more solid knot and tie an improved clinch knot. Its special proprietary treatment allows the supple fishing line to zip through the guides to your targets. It also helps you achieve a better, less chance of wind knots and farther casts.Its braided line decreases the chance to lose your big catch. Indeed, the Kastking braided lines are superb! It has an ultra-high sensitivity and zero stretches for a great hook setting that will definitely increase your catch possibilities. Others may have long diameter but this braided line has a small diameter that allows you to spool more fishing line on your reel. Best Fishing Line Winder SpoolerTo get a higher chance of catching big fishes, you might have a large collection of fishing equipment from the fishing reel, rod, fishing line, bait, spooler, and other more equipment. All of those gears are really important. Now, let me show you the one that you might need, the Winder Spooler Machine.This spooler helps you to spin the line faster with a firm stand on the ground line spinning into the reel for just a second to complete the task.Choose a winder spooler that could fit your line reel because there are some spool holders that only work with heavy duty line winder. So be aware of that. There are line spoolers that use the conventional approach using the suction cup that could make it stand sturdily. But there is also some line winder that uses the creativity to spool easily than ever before. Lastly, make sure that the materials used to create a winder spooler are water resistant and stainless.9. Fishing Line Winder Spooler MachineAnother high-quality brand is the Piscifun. They came up with a patent line spooler. Piscifun is the only Exclusive Authorized name to sell this line spooler in the U.S market. Without their logo on the item or product, it will be the automatically illegal reproduction. This is a clever tool for all fishermen and anglers out there! This will help to load your reel with braid or doing some tying a fish hook. No more using a difficult technique just to hold the reel. The Line Winder looks amazing with both narrow and wide spools. It comes with a 3/8 bushing which can perfectly work with string spools either Mono or Braid Line that have a smaller diameter center holes.The spinning reels or bait caster reels can interchange directions. To do it, tighten the wheel fastener on the tip when winding a bait caster reel and lose it while winding a spinning reel. Then let the spool spin with the rotor. This Piscifun Line Winder is definitely a portable one for it is just compact and lightweight. You can carry it wherever you want to go and easily get in hand at any time. This Piscifun reels and line are only for spooling reference and sadly not included in the package. Features:It is made of high strength graphite frame, strong and lightSuper handy spoolerIt comes with two small extra bushings for different diameter line spoolsIt can easily disassemble.Easy taking and more convenientLength: 26 cm x 16 inches, Width: 10.23 inches x 6.29 inchesWeight: 8.82 ouncesIt can be stored in your truck, bag, and tackle boxTime saver and a must-have for anglers and fishermen Best Fishing Pliers Float Fishing for Salmon and SteelheadFishing pliers are also important in fishing. Pliers can make your fishing easier. You can cut those braid lines without exerting too much effort. Pliers are not just only as pliers. Now, I will give you some information to know them better. Let’s take a look!PurposeAll fishing pliers have advantages and disadvantages. It is better to understand your fishing needs while you are in the process of learning how to fish. Pliers have many purposes when it comes to fishing. Before you start to choose, make sure to know first the purpose of the pliers that you are going to buy.MaterialsMost manufacturers used aluminum and stainless steel to make the best pliers. Not all stainless steel materials are great. There are low-quality ones that may rust over time so you may need the advice of anglers or fishermen. Make sure also that the aluminum is an anodized aluminum fishing pliers because anodized aluminum makes your pliers stronger.Length of the NoseMost anglers who fish in saltwater prefer pliers that have longer nose since they will be fighting with larger fish.Line CuttersLine cutters must be sharp enough to cut even braided lines. They must be versatile to prevent difficulties when you are cutting braids.WeightAnglers prefer lightweight pliers for they add comfort and ease when handling the grip. This feature is also to give the angler the ability to resist in challenging fishing conditions. Stainless Fishing Pliers

Check Latest Price This stainless fishing plier comes with a coiled lanyard, sleeve crimped end and insert the wire. It’s within reach so it’s far from losing it. It works as a tool plier which can hold objects tightly and crimp shot slit lead. It also has a split ring opener which helps you repair your lure. Its design has a sharp line cutter and a small wire cutter that locks to keep pliers in close when it is not open. The spring in the handle offers a better operation and performance when it’s just 6.5 inches small fishing pliers. The pliers' design is specifically for young anglers so it will not be hard to carry. Always remember that this plier is commonly used in freshwater to keep it dry and clean at the same time. SpecificationsMaterial: Stainless steel tips and ABS plastic handleColor: Black, Blue, and OrangeWeight: 11 kg.Product Dimension: 6.3 x 2.1 x 0.3 inches Best Seat for Fishing PicnicsAfter a long day of fishing, now it’s time for you to have some rest. But before that, what are the types of seats you want for your picnic or outdoor event?ComfortWe don’t like to seat in an uncomfortable seat, right? Picnic chairs are made out of different materials like plastic, fabric and even polyester materials. Before choosing the best one for you, make sure to know and find out what materials you find comfortable the most.PortabilityThe next thing to consider is portability. It is essential to have a seat that gives you ease to transport and set up. Consider also the size of your portable chair and how much the chair weighs.StyleMost of us think that style might not be important but to some, it is one of the keys that add comfort and convenience when you sit on it. It establishes the ambiance of a picnic also. If you are not affected by the style of your chair, you can also select that goes with your taste and personality.AffordabilityThere are picnic seats available everywhere. You can select a seat that goes along with your budget. But if you like to choose the most comfortable picnic seat, then no one is stopping you to buy it. It’s for your convenience, which is what really matters.ColorColor also matters. It is better to have light colors picnic seats which will bring you warm and peace when you are resting. Great ONIVA Picnic Seat

Check Latest Price I know, spending so much time under the heat of the sun is sometimes tiring. Because of that, this picnic seat is for all of us! This seat is originally designed by Oniva, a Picnic Time brand. It features a durable polyester covered padded cushion on a sturdy steel frame and comes with a water-resistant reinforced underside. The chair can be incredibly adjusted to six different positions and integrated armrests for a great and maximum comfort and convenience. It can invert the armrests to increase the width of the sear to 20 inches. It can fold flat and has an adjustable backpack shoulder strap for your ease of transport that includes a zippered pocket on the back. Specifications:Dimension- Opened: 16 x 20 x 16 inchesFlat: 20 x 2 x 32 inches and 37.5 x 20 x 3.5 inchesWeight: 10 pounds ConclusionWater bodies are very wide. No one can stop you from doing what you love, which is fishing. I really enjoyed my fishing game with my relatives, friends, and family. They also use the same gears as I do. We really love the spinning rod, spinning reel, waterproof gear bags, trolling motor battery charger, life jackets, polarized sunglasses, sun hat, fishing line, fishing pliers, line winder spooler and seat for fishing picnics. More fun, no more disappointments, and no more regrets. I hope that this article will help you to start your fishing journey. Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Google-plus

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mateenaltaf · 5 years ago

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Operationalization Of Variables (An Advanced Research Method's Topic)

An Abstract

In the process of defining a term, we also need to think about how we’re going to measure the concept. Operationalization refers to the process of figuring out how to measure the concepts that interest us. When we operationalize something, we figure out how we are going to measure it. Many of the most common concepts are not tangible. We cannot really point to them directly. Instead, we have to find a way to measure them, often indirectly. Consider again the concept of religiosity. This is not something we can directly observe. We can’t look in someone’s brain and see how much time they spend thinking about God. We can’t tell for sure how much considerations of the supernatural govern the decisions they make in life. Instead, we can only make indirect measurements of religiosity. For example, we can infer that someone is religious when they report attending religious services every week. In addition, we might infer that someone is religious if they pray on a daily basis or report to us that religion is very important in their lives.

Operationalization is the development of specific research procedures that will result in empirical observations representing those concepts in the real world. An operational definition of a concept is a definition of the concept terms of how it is measured. So an operational definition of religiousness here would be whether a person reports high levels of religious service attendance, prayer and/or religious importance. Operationalization is the process of strictly defining variables into measurable factors.

Introduction

In research design, especially in psychology, social sciences, life sciences, and physics, operationalization is a process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable, though its existence is indicated by other phenomena. It is the process of defining a fuzzy concept so as to make the theoretical concept clearly distinguishable or measurable, and to understand it in terms of empirical observations. In a wider sense, it refers to the process of specifying the extension of a concept—describing what is and is not a part of that concept. For example, in medicine, the phenomenon of health might be operationalized by one or more indicators like body mass index or tobacco smoking. Thus, some phenomena are directly difficult to observe (i.e. they are latent), but their existence can be inferred by means of their observable effects.

The concept of operationalization was first presented by the British physicist N. R. Campbell in his 'Physics: The Elements' (Cambridge, 1920). This concept next spread to humanities and social sciences. It remains in use in physics.

History

Operationalization is used to specifically refer to the scientific practice of operationally defining, where even the most basic concepts are defined through the operations by which we measure them. This comes from the philosophy of science book the (1927), by Percy Williams Bridgman, whose methodological position is called operationalism. Bridgman's theory was criticized because we measure "length" in various ways (e.g. it's impossible to use a measuring rodif we want to measure the distance to the Moon), "length" logically isn't one concept but many, some concepts requiring knowledge of geometry. Each concept is to be defined by the measuring operations used. Another example is the radius of a sphere, obtaining different values depending on the way it is measured (say, in meters and in millimeters). Bridgman said the concept is defined on the measurement. So the criticism is that we could potentially end up with endless concepts, each defined by the things that measured the concept, such as angle of sighting, day of the solar year, angular sub tense of the moon, etc. which were gathered together, some astronomical observations taken over a period of thousands of years. Bridgman notes that in the theory of relativity we see how a concept like "duration" can split into multiple different concepts. As part of the process of refining a physical theory, it may be found that what was one concept are, in fact, two or more distinct concepts. However, Bridgman proposes that if we only stick to operationally defined concepts, this will never happen.

Operationalization

The practical 'operational definition' is generally understood as relating to the theoretical definitions that describe reality through the use of theory.

The importance of careful operationalization can perhaps be more clearly seen in the development of General Relativity. Einstein discovered that there were two operational definitions of "mass" being used by scientists: inertial, defined by applying a force and observing the acceleration, from Newton's Second Law of Motion; and gravitational, defined by putting the object on a scale or balance. Previously, no one had paid any attention to the different operations used because they always produced the same results, but the key insight of Einstein was to posit the Principle of Equivalence that the two operations would always produce the same result because they were equivalent at a deep level, and work out the implications of that assumption, which is the General Theory of Relativity. Thus, a breakthrough in science was achieved by disregarding different operational definitions of scientific measurements and realizing that they both described a single theoretical concept. Einstein's disagreement with the operationalist approach was criticized by Bridgman as follows: "Einstein did not carry over into his general relativity theory the lessons and insights he himself has taught us in his special theory." (p. 335).

In Social Sciences

Operationalization is often used in the sciences as part of the scientific method and psychometric. Particular concerns about operationalization arise in cases that deal with complex concepts and complex stimuli (e.g., business research, software engineering) where unique threats to validity of operationalization are believed to exist.

Anger example

For example, a researcher may wish to measure the concept "anger." Its presence, and the depth of the emotion, cannot be directly measured by an outside observer because anger is intangible. Rather, other measures are used by outside observers, such as facial expression, choice of vocabulary, loudness and tone of voice, after Damasio, Lesion studies. If a researcher wants to measure the depth of "anger" in various persons, the most direct operation would be to ask them a question, such as "are you angry", or "how angry are you?". This operation is problematic, however, because it depends upon the definition of the individual. Some people might be subjected to a mild annoyance, and become slightly angry, but describe themselves as "extremely angry," whereas others might be subjected to a severe provocation, and become very angry, but describe themselves as "slightly angry." In addition, in many circumstances it is impractical to ask subjects whether they are angry. Since one of the measures of anger is loudness, the researcher can operationalize the concept of anger by measuring how loudly the subject speaks compared to his normal tone. However, this must assume that loudness is uniform measure. Some might respond verbally while other might respond physically. This makes anger a non-operational variable.

Economics objections

One of the main critics of operationalism in social science argues that "the original goal was to eliminate the subjective mentalist concepts that had dominated earlier psychological theory and to replace them with a more operationally meaningful account of human behavior. But, as in economics, the supporters ultimately ended up "turning operationalism inside out". "Instead of replacing 'metaphysical' terms such as 'desire' and 'purpose'" they "used it to legitimize them by giving them operational definitions." Thus in psychology, as in economics, the initial, quite radical operationalist ideas eventually came to serve as little more than a "reassurance fetish for mainstream methodological practice."

Tying to the conceptual framework

The above discussion links operationalization to measurement of concepts. Many scholars have worked to operationalize concepts like job satisfaction, prejudice, anger etc. Scale and index construction are forms of operationalization. There is not one perfect way to operationalize. For example, in the United States the concept distance driven would be operationalized as miles. Whereas, kilometers would be used in Europe. Operationalization is part of the empirical research process Take for example an empirical research question: Does job satisfaction influence job turnover? Both job satisfaction and job turnover need to be measured. The concepts and their relationship are important — operationalization occurs within a larger framework of concepts. When there is a large empirical research question or purpose the conceptual framework that organizes the response to the question must be operationalized before the data collection can begin. If a scholar constructs a questionnaire based on a conceptual framework, they have operationalized the framework. Most serious empirical research should involve operationalization that is transparent and linked to a conceptual framework.

To use an oversimplified example, the hypothesis Job satisfaction reduces job turnover is one way to connect (or frame) two concepts — job satisfaction and job turnover. The process of moving from the idea job satisfaction to the set of questionnaire items that form a job satisfaction scale is operationalization. For most of us, operationalization outside the larger issue of a research question and conceptual framework is just not very interesting. Operationalization uses a different logic when testing a formal (quantitative) hypothesis and testing working hypothesis (qualitative). For formal hypotheses the concepts are represented empirically (or operationalized) as numeric variables and tested using inferential statistics. Working hypotheses (particularly in the social and administrative sciences), on the other hand, are tested through evidence collection and the assessment of the evidence. The evidence is generally collected within the context of a case study. The researcher asks - Is the evidence sufficient to 'support' the working hypothesis? Formal operationalization would specify the kinds of evidence needed to support the hypothesis as well as evidence which would "fail" to support it. Robert Yin recommends developing a case study protocol as a way to specify the kinds of evidence needed during the data collection phases. He identifies six sources of evidence:

Documentation

Archival records

Interviews

Direct observations

Participant observation

Physical or cultural artifacts.

In the field of Public Administration, Shields and Tajalli (2006) have identified five kinds of conceptual frameworks (working hypothesis, descriptive categories, practical ideal type, operations research, and formal hypothesis). They explain and illustrate how each of these conceptual frameworks can be operationalized. They also show how to make conceptualization and operationalization more concrete by demonstrating how to form conceptual framework tables that are tied to the literature and operationalization tables that lay out the specifics of how to operationalize the conceptual framework (measure the concepts).

Operationalization Example:

The following paragraphs demonstrate how to operationalize some variables that may be used in research. When your chosen variables are previously defined in earlier research, and you are going to use the earlier definition or method of measurement, you can quote or paraphrase from that source and then properly reference that source. For commonly used, everyday variables, no reference is necessary. If you are creating a variable yourself, you must provide a definition and briefly justify your method of measurement.

Mastery

concerns the extent to which one regards one's life-chances as being under one's own control in contrast to being fatalistically ruled" (Pearlin and Schooler, 1978:5). The Mastery Scale (MS) by Pearlin and Schooler is a 7 statement index requiring Likert responses from “Never has that feeling” to “Always have that feeling” and is included because of its wide use in stress studies. Mastery is a construct closely associated with locus of control.

Self Esteem

Also has a long tradition of being useful in stress research. Self esteem is "the evaluation which the individual makes and customarily maintains with regard to himself or herself; it expresses an attitude of approval or disapproval toward oneself" (Rosenberg, 1965:5). The Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale has been used in thousands of studies and is considered highly reliable. It was also chosen for its ease of administration and the simplicity of its 10 question Likert format.

Commitment

Appears to be an important personal characteristic in stress research as emphasized by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). Whether it is measured as a global characteristic (Kobasa et al, 1981), or implied by voluntary membership (Wheaton, 1980), commitment appears to affect the strength that events or other stressors have on individuals. For this construct the Sense of Coherence (SOC)

Scale by Antonovsky (1987) was selected. It is a 29 item index with a seven point Likert range from “Never have those feelings” to “Always have that feeling.” Sense of coherence is defined as a "global orientation that expresses the extent to which one has a pervasive, enduring though dynamic feeling of confidence," (p. 19). In addition, Neal and Groat's Meaninglessness (ME) scale (1974) was included to measure the other end of this dimension, alienation. Neal and Groat’s ME scale is a nine item index asking for responses from “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree.”

Meaninglessness

Meaningless is defined as an individual's perception that social and political events are overwhelmingly complex, without purpose, and lacking in predictability.

Sex in this research is a dichotomous variable: male and female.

Age of respondents is measured in years and months.

Education is measured by highest degree attained beginning with “less than high school degree,” through “Ph.D.”

Religion is a nominal variable with the following categories: Christian, Muslim, and Other.

NOTE:

Variables like sex, age, education, and religion do not require a reference because they are commonly used variables. Also, no definition is required for unambiguous demographic variables such as these.

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