Atheoretical definition defines a term in an academic discipline, functioning as a proposal to see a phenomenon in a certain way. A theoretical definition is a proposed way of thinking about potentially related events.[1][2] Theoretical definitions containbuilt-in theories; they cannot be simply reduced to describing a set of observations. The definition may contain implicitinductions anddeductive consequences that are part of the theory.[3] A theoretical definition of a term can change, over time, based on the methods in the field that created it.
Without afalsifiableoperational definition, conceptual definitions assume both knowledge and acceptance of the theories that it depends on.[1] Ahypothetical construct may serve as a theoretical definition, as can astipulative definition.
The termscientific theory is reserved for concepts that are widely accepted. Ascientific law often refers to regularities that can be expressed by a mathematical statement. However, there is no consensus about the distinction between these terms.[4] Every scientific concept must have anoperational definition, however the operational definition can use both direct observations andlatent variables.[5]
In the natural sciences, a concept is an abstract conclusion drawn from observations.[5]
Social and health sciences interact with non-empirical fields and use both observation based and pre-existing concepts such as intelligence, race, and gender.
Mostinterdisciplinary fields are designed to address specific real world concerns and the status of theoretical definitions in interdisciplinary fields is still evolving.[7]
| Theoretical or Conceptual definition | Operational definition |
| Weight: a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object | a result of measurement of an object on aNewtonspring scale |
The definitions of substances as various configurations of atoms are theoretical definitions, as are definitions ofcolors as specificwavelengths of reflected light.
The firstpostulate ofspecial relativity theory that thespeed of light in vacuum is the same to all inertial observers (i.e. it is a constant, and therefore a good measure of length). Of interest, this theoretical concept is the basis of anoperational definition for the length of ametre is"the distance traveled bylight in avacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of asecond". Thus we have defined 'metre' according to other ideas contained in modern scientific theory. Rejection of the theory underlying a theoretical definition leaves the definition invalid for use in argument with those who reject it — neither side will advance its position by using terms the others do not accept[citation needed].
Heat explains a collection of various laws of nature and that predict certain results.[2]
In psychology, the concept of intelligence is meant to explain correlations in performance on certain cognitive tasks.[8] Recent models suggest several cognitive processes may be involved in tasks that have been associated with intelligence.[9] However, overall the"g" or general intelligence factor is relatively supported by research[citation needed], though there arechallenges.
Differing theoretical definitions of "thinking" have caused conflict amongstartificial intelligence philosophers, illustrated for example by the different responses to theChinese room experiment.[citation needed] Some philosophers might call "thought" merely"having the ability to convince another person that you can think".[citation needed] Anoperational definition corresponding to this theoretical definition could be a simple conversation test (e.g.Turing test). Others believe that better theoretical and operational definitions are required.