metaconstruct

Metaconstruct is a term used in philosophy, social sciences, information science, and design to denote a higher-order construct that analyzes, describes, or governs other constructs. It functions as a meta-level concept that clarifies the criteria, assumptions, and relationships among more basic constructs, theories, or models.

Characteristics include abstraction, contextual dependence, and a role as a framework rather than a concrete object. Metaconstructs define what counts as a construct in a domain, outline permissible relations, and specify evaluation criteria such as coherence, scope, and validity.

Applications occur across disciplines. In philosophy of science, metaconstructs help compare theories by meta-level criteria. In information science, they underpin meta-models and ontologies that organize data constructs. In software design, a metaconstruct may govern higher-level patterns and architectural decisions.

Limitations: the term is not standardized and its meaning varies by field, which can lead to ambiguity without explicit definitions.

See also: metamodel, meta-analysis, metatheory, higher-order construct.