I think the simplest way to put it is that a dictionary definition is heuristic while an operational definition is quantifiable. One reads a number of dictionar

I think the simplest way to put it is that a dictionary definition is heuristic while an operational definition is quantifiable. One reads a number of dictionary definitions, and possibly literary works, etc., until one "groks" what the term means. An operational definition usually (or should) include specific objective measurement criteria such that anyone can perform the measurement(s) and conclude whether or not the subject meets the terms of the definition. Unfortunately, the Duarte, et al, article to which this article was a response is not available ($45!) so I cannot tell whether it had operational definitions of diversity, liberalism, conservatism, etc. My guess is that surveys and self-reporting ("do you consider yourself liberal/conservative" or "to what extent do you share this liberal/conservative value", e.g.) were used to evaluate diversity in the field....