Operationalization is defining concepts and variables so they can be measured quantitatively or qualitatively. To operationalize a variable, researchers must specify how it will be defined and measured in their study. This provides a clear and objective definition and allows other researchers to replicate the study. For example, when studying the effect of media violence on aggression, the variables "media violence" and "aggression" need to be clearly defined as they will be operationalized and measured in the study. The operationalization process involves beginning with a concept, deciding on a data collection method, determining the necessary detail level, selecting a recording format, and validating the measure.