costrutti

Costrutti is the plural form of costrutto, a term used in Italian to denote theoretical, abstract concepts employed in scientific theories to explain observable phenomena. A costrutto is not directly observable; it represents a latent or general property that researchers operationalize by defining indicators or measurements, enabling empirical study and comparison across studies.

Usage and scope: The term is common in psychology, education, sociology, and related social sciences, as well as in philosophy and discussions about scientific measurement. Examples include constructs such as self-esteem, motivation, anxiety, and intelligence. In linguistics and other fields, the concept of a construct may be described using different terminology, with costrutto used primarily in the social sciences to emphasize theoretical abstractions rather than concrete observable features.

Operationalization and validity: To study a costrutto, researchers specify its indicators (survey items, tests, behavioral observations) and assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The construct may be refined or redefined as evidence accumulates, and debates about construct validity drive methodological choices and interpretations of results.

Etymology and usage notes: Costrutto comes from the Italian verb costruire, meaning “to build,” reflecting the idea of a theoretical building block. The plural costrutti is used when discussing multiple constructs, such as in reviews that compare several dimensions of a theoretical framework. In some contexts, the broader notion of a construct overlaps with, or is replaced by, terms like construct, variable, or construction depending on disciplinary convention.