Theoretical Constructs in Psychology: Variables and Processes

Theoretical Constructs: Intervening Variables and Hypothetical Constructs

Theoretical constructs are categorized as intervening variables or hypothetical constructs.

Intervening Variables

According to Marx (1963), an intervening variable is a pure abstract construction whose meaning is derived from related stimuli and observable responses. In this sense, the intervening variable is defined operationally through its empirical referents and assumes no basis in physical, physiological, or electrochemical properties.

Hypothetical Constructs

Hypothetical constructs involve more meaning than that provided by the referents of observable stimuli and responses. Consequently, hypothetical constructs are said to possess a residual meaning.

Psychological Processes and Behavior

Psychological processes interact with behavior in various ways. A process may function as a background factor, a consequent variable, a concurrent variable, or a factor that potentially influences behavior. Based on these relationships, we can identify four types of processes:

• Triggering processes
• Resulting processes
• Directional and maintenance processes
• Dispositional processes

1. Triggering Processes

Behavior is initiated by a prior psychological state. Processes that initiate actions or sequences of events are called triggers. Example: Motivation.

2. Resulting Processes

This category includes processes that arise as a result of conduct. Learning and memory are illustrative examples.

3. Directional and Maintenance Processes

A process can act as a guide for conduct directed toward a goal (directional function) or maintain the force of conduct until the goal is reached (maintenance function). Motivation, attention, and perception are examples of processes that perform these roles.

4. Dispositional Processes

These processes exist as potentialities that are not always activated but may become effective in causing, maintaining, or resulting from behavior. These are known as latent dispositional processes. Examples: Emergent reasons, attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes.