Construct
Definition
AAn statisticalabstract measureconcept thatused describesin theresearch extent(e.g., tointelligence, which two variables are related.stress).
Example
CorrelationA researcher is measured on a scale of -1.0attempting to 1.0.identify Scoresthe closerfactors that contribute to zerohappiness. indicateSince happiness is an insignificantabstract relationshipconcept, between two variables. Negative scores indicate a negative relationship - one variable increases when the other decreases. Positive scores indicate a positive relationship. One variable increases when the other increases.
Correlation does not indicate causation.
While thereit is a positiveconstruct correlationthat betweenneeds job satisfaction and self-esteem, it cannotto be determinedexplicitly fromdefined in order to study it.
This is done by creating an operational definition such as "Happiness is defined according to scores on the correlationSubjective whetherHappiness onescale, causeswith thescores other.of It22-28 canindicating onlya behigh statedlevel thatof the relationship exists.happiness."
Why itIt Matters
CorrelationBy using consistent constructs and operational definitions, a researcher is importanttaking becausesteps itto helps us spot patterns between variables — like noticing that higher self-esteem often goes hand-in-hand with greater job satisfaction. It doesn’t prove one causescreate the other,conditions but it gives researchers a starting pointnecessary for askingthe deeperresearch questionsto andbe designingreplicated betterby studies.others.