Theoretical definition
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A theoretical definition is an abstract concept that defines a term in an academic discipline. Without a falsifiable operational definition, conceptual definitions assume both knowledge and acceptance of the theories that it depends on. A hypothetical construct may serve as a theoretical definition, as can a stipulative definition.
A theoretical definition is a proposed way of thinking about potentially related events. Indeed, theoretical definitions contain built-in theories; they cannot be simply reduced to describing a set of observations. The definition may contain implicit inductions and deductive consequences that are part of the theory. A theoretical definition of a term can change, over time, based on the methods in the field that created it.
See also
- Construct (philosophy)
- General Conference on Weights and Measures
- International Committee for Weights and Measures
- Latent variable
- Operational definition
- Stipulative definitions
