What does the term 'constructs' refer to in communication research?

The term 'constructs' in communication research refers to theoretical creations based on observations. Constructs are abstract concepts that researchers develop to better understand social phenomena. They represent ideas or theories that explain certain aspects of human behavior and communication, such as attitudes, beliefs, and values. For instance, researchers might create a construct to represent "communication effectiveness," which encompasses various elements like clarity, engagement, and audience understanding.

This understanding is crucial because constructs cannot be directly observed or measured; instead, researchers must rely on various methodologies to operationalize these constructs into measurable variables. Constructs provide a framework that guides researchers in developing hypotheses, designing studies, and interpreting their findings within the context of larger theories.

In contrast, observable phenomena that can be measured directly refer to concrete, quantifiable events or behaviors, which are not classified as constructs. Defined categories for social class would specifically focus on socio-economic stratification rather than abstract ideas related to communication. Simple measures of participant feedback might provide straightforward data but do not capture the theoretical complexity involved in the concept of constructs. Therefore, recognizing constructs as theoretical creations grounded in observations is fundamental for conducting robust communication research.