What is a hypothetical variable consisting of related component responses or behaviors?

A hypothetical variable that consists of related component responses or behaviors is referred to as a construct. Constructs are abstract concepts that researchers aim to measure within their studies, such as intelligence, satisfaction, or consumer behavior. These constructs are often not directly observable; instead, they are inferred through various indicators or measures that reflect the underlying concept.

For example, if a researcher is studying "customer satisfaction" as a construct, they might utilize different indicators like survey questions about service quality, product satisfaction, and overall experience. The construct ties these related indicators together to represent a broader idea.

In this context, other terms such as "manifest variable," "indicator," and "factor" refer to different aspects of measurement or analysis. A manifest variable typically represents observable and measurable entities, while an indicator is a specific measure that reflects a construct. A factor usually arises from factor analysis, which is a statistical method used to identify underlying relationships between variables. While these terms are related to constructs, they do not encompass the broader conceptual nature of a hypothetical variable that includes multiple components or behaviors.