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Free download from www.hsrcpress.ac.zaIn our preceding discussion of conceptualization we emphasized the sameaspects. In summary it would be possible to repeat the most importantconsiderations:(1) The purpose of conceptualization or conceptual explication is to specifythe central shades of meaning of a concept in a logically systematicmanner. The best way of doing this is by conducting a thorough study ofthe literature on those theories of which the concept forms an integralpart. In addition to this, it is clear that competent conceptual analysis isalso a function of the extent to which the researcher is capable ofimaginative speculation and creative insight.(2) The researcher ought to be able to derive a clear idea of the field ofmeaning of the concept on the basis of his overview of theories (Rose’sscope). The next step would then be to explicate the dimensions thatunderlie the various shades of meaning in a logically correct manner. Aswe have indicated, it is particularly important that attention be paid to therequirement of mutually exclusive classification.Once the considerations mentioned under (1) and (2) have been complied with,there is a high probability that a theoretically valid conceptualization has beenattained.Because the connotative and denotative dimensions of concepts are so closelyrelated, the ultimate test of a theory, model or typology, is the extent to whichit leads to valid information of the phenomena that it is supposed to describe orexplain. At this point in the research process, the: emphasis, therefore, shifts tothe problem of measurement and the ways in which valid measures can beattained.OPERATIONALIZATIONOperationalization or operational definition consists of the development of ameasuring instrument by means of which it is possible to obtain accurate dataabout specific phenomena. If we were to use the example of alienation,Operationalization would imply that the researchers have to develop ameasuring instrument by means of which they will be able to collect reliabledata about the phenomenon called alienation. The researcher’s aim could, forexample, be to attempt to determine the extent to which alienation may beregarded as a characteristic of people, groups, or organizations. A further aimmay be to determine whether an existing theory or theories provide a correctinterpretation of alienation. Irrespective of what the specific research aims maybe, and irrespective of what unit of analysis is to be chosen, and even64