Question

Researchers must ____________ important concepts in their studies so others would have a clear understanding of exactly how those concepts were defined. a. randomly assign b. randomly select c. operationalize d. generalize

Short answer

The correct answer is 'c. operationalize', as this term refers to the process of defining a vague concept so as to make it measurable and understandable by others.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Options

First, take a moment to understand each of the terms presented in the options. \n\nRandom assignment: An experimental technique for assigning subjects to different treatments. \n\nRandom selection: A statistical method used to choose a sample from a population in an unbiased manner. \n\nOperationalization: The process of defining a vague concept so as to make it measurable and understandable. \n\nGeneralize: The act of applying findings from one sample or in one context to another context or population.

Select the Correct Term

Now that we understand what each term means, it is clear that the question is asking for a term that involves defining or explaining vague concepts in research, so that they can be clearly understood by others. The term that relates most closely to this description is 'operationalize'.