Indicators of Concepts

• Before any actual data can be collected, the instruments for data collection must be refined so that the data reflect what the researcher wants to look at.
  • The first part of this is creating the indicators of the concepts that you want to study.

• First, concepts must be clarified. This can be done by:
  • Gathering a collection of definitions and then taking common elements of all of them.
  • Using one commonly accepted definition.
  • Or looking at other research and theory and defining the elements yourself.

• The broad definitions must then be used to move from abstract concepts to specific indicators of those concepts that are observable.
  • This allows the abstract to become concrete, and allows research to be conducted.

• Once a set of indicators which the researcher thinks adequately represents the concept or appropriate part of the concept, questions can be formed.

• Again, previous research is important to look at because it can provide well-established measures which should be used.