65. A researcher decides to measure personality by using a personality inventory. The researcher is doing which of the following?
Answer: B
The researcher is operationally defining a variable.
By using a personality inventory, the researcher is specifying how personality will be measured, which is an example of operationally defining a variable. This process involves clearly defining and measuring a concept to enable empirical observation and analysis.
A) Assigning participants randomly
Assigning participants randomly refers to the process of randomly selecting individuals for different groups in a study to reduce bias. This option is incorrect as it does not pertain to how the researcher is measuring personality, but rather to the method of participant selection.
B) Operationally defining a variable
This option is correct because operational definition involves specifying the exact procedures used to measure a concept, in this case, personality through a personality inventory. This allows for clear and quantifiable assessment in research.
C) Conducting research using naturalistic observation
Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention. This option is incorrect as the researcher is actively measuring personality through an inventory rather than simply observing behavior in a natural setting.
D) Developing a hypothesis
Developing a hypothesis involves creating a testable statement predicting the relationship between variables. This option is incorrect because the action described does not involve forming a hypothesis but rather measuring an existing variable, personality.
Conclusion
The action of using a personality inventory clearly indicates that the researcher is operationally defining a variable, which is essential for empirical investigation. All other options fail to accurately describe the researcher's method of measuring personality, focusing instead on unrelated aspects of research methodology.