Operationalization and defining our research concepts

In this week's readings, Luker examines the "sampling, operationalization, and generalization" aspects of conducting a research study. I found this to be a particularly apt reading when thinking about the pursuit of information in my research proposal. I especially found Luker's commentary on operationalization and sampling to be very interesting. The demonstrated variations in rape statistics across the USA was concerning, but it illustrates an important point, that in order to gather effective research we must be clear and in agreement on what it is we are studying (i.e. terms, definitions, and concepts). As Luker writes, we "also have to worry about how we operationalize "our concepts" or "variables" (pg. 113)."I think this will present one of the greater challenges as we progress in our research studies. How I categorize or define the concepts of my research could vary significantly from the way in which the people I interview or survey think of them, and well I like to think that I would be aware of this well analyzing the results, it is likely that there will be inevitable miscommunication or misunderstandings along the way. Moreover, I'm not sure it is possible for two individuals to fully agree on how to define a concept, so I suppose this will become a sort of trial and error exercise.