What does the term 'construct' refer to in psychological measurement?

The term 'construct' in psychological measurement refers to an internal attribute or characteristic that is not directly observable but is inferred from behavior and can be useful in explaining and predicting how individuals may act or respond in various situations. Constructs are often abstract concepts such as intelligence, motivation, or anxiety, which can be measured through various operational definitions and assessment tools, such as questionnaires or behavioral observations.

By understanding constructs, researchers can develop theories and models that help explain complex psychological phenomena. This is crucial in psychology because many of the most important variables of interest cannot be observed directly but instead must be measured through their effects or indicators.

The other options fall short in capturing the essence of what a construct is. Directly observable behaviors represent actions that can be seen and measured but do not encompass the underlying psychological aspects. Measurable outcomes focus more on the results of assessments rather than the theoretical underpinnings. Lastly, demographic information pertains to categories such as age, gender, or socioeconomic status, which are relevant but do not encapsulate the concept of constructs in the context of psychological measurement.