Constructs

/ˈkɒnstrʌkts/ or /kənˈstrʌkts/ noun, verb

Definition

As noun: things that are constructed or put together; ideas or concepts that are created mentally rather than existing in nature. As verb: third-person singular present tense of construct (to build or put together).

Etymology

From Latin construere (com- together + struere to build). Used as noun in psychology (psychological constructs) and in general language since the 1500s; modern usage emphasizes human-created concepts.

Kelly Says

'Intelligence' and 'personality' are fascinating examples of constructs—they're not physical things you can touch, but real ideas humans created to organize and understand behavior, which is why psychologists constantly debate how to measure them.

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