Operationalizing variables in research is to sociological analysis as defining a recipe is to cooking. What is the analogous concept that completes this relationship?

Operationalizing variables in research means taking abstract ideas and making them measurable or observable, just like defining a recipe gives specific instructions on how to cook a dish. In both cases, clarity is essential; without clear definitions, the research or cooking process may not turn out as expected. For example, if a recipe says to "cook until done" without specifying time or temperature, the outcome can vary widely. Similarly, if a researcher does not clearly define what they mean by "happiness," their study could lead to confusing or unreliable results. Thus, the analogous concept that completes this relationship is "measuring outcomes," as both cooking and research require precise guidelines to achieve successful results.