1. Operational Definition
Operational definition is a statement that shows the "what you do and what you observe".
For example, the operational definition for coagulation of latex:
The "what you do" is... when acid is added to latex..
The "what you observe " is.... white solid is formed.
Therefore the operational definition for the coagulation of latex is ..When acid is added to latex,
white solid is formed. (SPM 2008)
The operational definition for the neutralisation of acid or alkali could be... When acid is added to
alkali with a few drops of phenolphthalein, the pink solution changes to colourless.
To make a hypothesis
How to construct or make a hypothesis?
First, you must understand that a hypothesis is a statement that relates a manipulated
variable with aresponding variable.
Therefore, you must be able to identify the manipulated variable and the responding
variable for an experiment.
For example, in experiment to determine the effect of temperature on the rate of reaction
between sodium thiosulphate and sulphuric acid.
The manipulated variable is temperature, and the responding variable is rate of reaction.
Therefore, the statement of hypothesis is: When the temperature of sodium thiosulphate
increases, the rate of reaction with sulphuric acid increases.