The Meaning of Constructs

Abstract

The purpose of this introductory chapter is to explain the meaning of constructs within a larger conceptual context heretofore called the “Systems Paradigm” (Emery 1969; L’Abate 2012c; Magnavita 2012a, b; Stanton and Welsh 2012). A psychological construct is an invented construction given value by its becoming or being a measurable variable. According to VandenBos (2007, p 221), a construct is a complex idea or concept formed of simpler ideas. Furthermore, according to VandenBos, a construct is an explanatory model based on empirically verifiable and measurable events or processes inferred from data but not directly observable. A construct, therefore, could also become a hypothetical model when based on the possibility that, when validated empirically, that construct may become a model. In spite of VandenBos equating constructs with models, we need to differentiate clearly between these two terms. Constructs become models when they are validated and become imbedded within a larger theoretical framework. Without such a connection, many constructs used in past psychological theories are orphan constructs destined to die of inevitably gradual decline and even disappearance from the psychological literature (L’Abate 2009d, 2013a).