This is very similar to, but distinct from an operational definition.

Its operational definition is "to allow opportunities for society at large to consider and value non-violent responses to conflict".

They are studied by means of operational definitions and have no existence apart.

We've got the operational definition and need no other.

This, combined with a lack of operational definitions, may reduce its reliability.

Therefore, the operational definition is sometimes refined by requiring that the object be at rest.

"But it's clear from the research that people have very different operational definitions about what desire is."

That does not mean just giving the explanation without an operational definition.

One may find it important to know the operational definition of the agency performing an assessment or giving a diagnosis.

We can take this as an operational definition of what people mean by free will.