Define "operationalization" in research.

The correct choice represents operationalization as defining a research concept in a way that it can be measured or quantified for empirical testing. This process is fundamental to research because many psychological concepts, such as intelligence, anxiety, or motivation, are abstract and cannot be measured directly. By operationalizing these concepts, researchers create specific definitions and parameters that allow them to use quantitative methods to gather data. For instance, if a researcher is studying anxiety, they might operationalize it through specific measures like self-report questionnaires, physiological indicators, or behavioral assessments. This ensures that researchers can systematically collect data that is consistent and replicable, allowing for a clearer understanding of the phenomenon being studied.

While the other options touch on aspects of research, they do not encapsulate the essence of operationalization. Summarizing literature relates to systematic reviews rather than defining measurable constructs. Collecting qualitative data is a method distinct from how concepts are framed for measurement. Lastly, analyzing statistical results pertains to interpreting data rather than the formulation of how those data were originally captured. Thus, operationalization stands out as a critical phase in psychological research that translates theoretical concepts into practical terms for study.