Using Operational Definitions

Abstract

With a case study, students see, perhaps for the first time, how operational definitions compare phenomena of interest against known standards or accepted protocols. Our article on the Hindenburg disaster provides an excellent case study to illustrate this point. On May 6, 1937, the German zeppelin Hindenburg caught fire while preparing to dock at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, NJ (see Figure 4.1). The ensuing fire destroyed the massive airship in 35 seconds. We present the historical debate as: “What was the source of fuel for the fire that destroyed the Hindenburg?” In the laboratory, we conduct a vertical flame test that compliments the horizontal flame test of Chapter 5. The vertical test is patterned after the procedure used by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for determining the flammability of textiles. Using the ASTM test demonstrates the importance of operational definitions in scientific experiments. The purpose of the flame test is to not only raise the historical awareness of our students, but to acclimate them to the idea of adhering to standardized scientific protocols.