Definitions
|
|
Construct
All definitions
|
In the social sciences, constructs are the ideas or terms at the heart of surveys, scales and research questions because they are the ideas that are being measured. But unlike ideas expressed in day-to-day conversation, constructs used in surveys and research must have validity. Otherwise, we have no way of knowing whether all parties using the term are referring to the same ideas.
For example, terms such as "stress" and "job satisfaction" may be used without definition in everyday conversation, but they must be well-defined (operationalized) if measuring them is the objective. For example, if an individual is going to be evaluated on the basis of job performance, then "job performance" must be operationalized as a construct. Spector (1992) writes that many constructs are "theoretical abstractions that do not exist in objective experience" (Spector, 2002, p. 47). He elaborates: As with a theory, a construct is tentatively accepted because it is useful. That is, a useful construct is part of a theoretical system of relations, with other constructs that may explain, predict and lead to control over phenomena of interest" (Spector, 1992, p. 47) Related terms References Spector, P. (1992). Summated rating scale construction: An introduction. Newbury Park, London, New Dehli: Sage. Read a practice exam essay in response to the question:
"It is often said that traditional research methods in the field of work and well-being have limited our understanding. Evaluate this position with reference to theory and research." Exam essay practice answer |
|
|
|