A distinction exists between how a concept is understood in theory and how it is measured or observed in practice. The theoretical understanding provides a broad, abstract idea of the concept. For instance, “intelligence” might be theoretically defined as the general mental capability involving reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Conversely, the practical application involves specifying precisely how the concept will be measured or observed. Thus, “intelligence” could be practically defined as the score achieved on a standardized intelligence test, like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
The clarity and rigor of research, across various disciplines, depend on differentiating between the theoretical and practical applications. Precision in the practical application enhances the replicability and validity of studies. Historically, disagreements and inconsistencies in research findings have frequently stemmed from a failure to adequately distinguish between these applications. This distinction helps to ensure that researchers are all investigating the same phenomenon using comparable methods, and allows for more meaningful comparisons across studies.
