Task: Discuss concepts, constructs, and variables. What is the relationship between concepts and constructs? How do variables help us to navigate constructs? What is the relationship between constructs and theory?
A variable, in research is simply that factor or element that can be controlled, changed or measured. In investigating a phenomenon or doing an experiment, after identifying the research questions, we look at the variables at play (Helmenstine, 2014). Then we design our research or experiment around them. There are 4 types of variables but there are 2 main ones - independent and dependent.
According to Kwan & Wolf (2002), constructs, simply put is a concept or an idea that has added meaning in that it has been creatively, deliberately and consciously invented or adopted for a scientific purpose. For example, we can say that 'society' is a construct, an idea that theorizes that human beings, living together influence each other through social dynamics and is the basis of culture, language, creation of belief systems as well as enforcement of ways of thinking, doing and living.
Concept, A general idea or understanding of something
Constructs are based on hypothetical knowledge. A theory that is not based on facts is a construct. When there is factual evidence, it is a concept. These theories are based on facts.
1. Helmenstine, A.M. (2014). What Is a Variable in Science? About. URL:
https://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojects/a/What-Is-A-Variable-In-Science.htm
2. Kwan, S. & Wolf, P. (2002). Constructs and Variables. URL:
https://www.public.asu.edu/~kroel/www500/variables%20Wed.pdf