Operational definitions were a neo-Machian development that connected with
the positivism of logical positivism. Logical positivism failed, with the f
ailure of operational definitions being just one of multiple and multifario
us failures of logical positivism more broadly. Operationalism, however, ha
s continued to seduce psychology more than half a century after it was repu
diated by philosophers of science, including the very logical positivists w
ho had first taken it seriously. It carries with it a presupposed metaphysi
cs that is false in virtually all of its particulars, and thereby distorts
and obscures genuine issues concerning the nature of theory and of science.
It makes it particularly difficult for psychologists, under the thrall of
this dogma, to free themselves from these false presuppositions, and to thi
nk about, create and critique genuine scientific theory and process. That i
s the tragedy of operationalism.