Operational Definition of a Tiger’s Behaviour

In order to really understand behavior, you must first define it. An operational definition describes behavior so that it is observable and measurable. It is written so that anyone who reads the definition will easily be able to identify if the behavior is occurring or not.

When creating an operational definition, avoid using language that places judgments or makes assumptions. Describe only what is visible to an observer. See the example in this document (also posted in the learning materials for this week).

Defining behavior to this level reduces confusion and ensures accurate data collection. This is especially critical if more than one person will be collecting data on the behavior.

Choose a species, different from your species, that would be housed at your facility

Research commonly exhibited behaviors of your species and the new species. Then, construct a list of behaviors which would pertain to this new species found at your facility.

This list may come from your own experience with the species, videos, scientific papers, or other credible resources.

Your list should include 15 behaviors that would be seen in this species and should include both normal and abnormal behaviors.

You should include at least TWO outside sources from which your operational definitions are derived. Your sources are not required to come from scientific, peer-reviewed sources, but they should still be cited in APA format, both in text and as a reference list.

new species would be the tiger.