Selecting and Defining the Psychological Construct of Interest

The realm of psychological research is built upon a solid foundation of well-defined constructs. These constructs, which encompass a diverse array of human behaviors, emotions, and cognitive processes, serve as the bedrock upon which researchers design studies, collect data, and draw conclusions. The process of selecting and defining these constructs is a fundamental and indispensable step that guides the entire research journey.

In psychological research, the journey begins with a fundamental and critical step: identifying and defining the psychological construct of interest. This process involves selecting the specific aspect of human behavior, cognition, or emotion that will be the focus of investigation. The construct serves as the cornerstone upon which the entire research endeavor is built, influencing the research questions, study design, data collection, and analysis. In this module, we delve into the intricacies of selecting and defining the psychological construct, emphasizing the significance of a well-defined and clear construct. We also explore examples of psychological constructs across various domains, from personality traits and attitudes to mental health indicators, drawing insights from published literature to guide our understanding.