High quality quantitative dissertations are able to clearly bring together theory, constructs and variables. Broadly speaking, constructs are the building blocks of theories, helping to explain how and why certain phenomena behave the way that they do.

the extent to which a test measures a representative sample of the subject matter or behavior under investigation. For example, if a test is designed to survey arithmetic skills at a third-grade level, content validity indicates how well it represents the range of arithmetic operations possible at that level.

A test has construct validity if it demonstrates an association between the test scores and the prediction of a theoretical trait. A valid intelligence test should be able to accurately measure the construct of intelligence rather than other characteristics such as memory or educational level.

Construct validity is usually verified by comparing the test to other tests that measure similar qualities to see how highly correlated the two measures are.

Construct validity refers to whether the scores of a test or instrument measure the distinct dimension (construct) they are intended to measure.

What is a Construct? Intelligence, motivation, anxiety, and fear are all examples of constructs. In psychology, a construct is a skill, attribute, or ability that is based on one or more established theories. Constructs exist in the human brain and are not directly observable.

Constructs are considered latent variable because they cannot be directly observable or measured.

Definition of construct

• to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : build construct a bridge also : contrive, devise construct a plan.
• to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under specified conditions Construct a regular hexagon with sides 3 inches long.

Key constructs are the building blocks of any theory. They are simply the specialized terms used to label the elements in the theory. They are called “constructs” in order to emphasize that they are theoretical representations of real objects and processes.

In the context of survey research, a construct is the abstract idea, underlying theme, or subject matter that one wishes to measure using survey questions. As a cohesive set, the dimensions of a construct define the construct. Some constructs are relatively simple and do not have many dimensions.

Time is a theoretical construct created by humans for their own purposes. Humans employ the concept of time to measure the gap (interval) between events according to a standard unit of measure – e.g. seconds, minutes.