A "construct" refers to an idea or concept that is created or developed by people to help understand or explain something. Constructs can be abstract, like happiness or intelligence, and are often used in fields such as psychology, sociology, and education to categorize and analyze human behavior and experiences. In research, constructs are essential for building theories and frameworks. They help researchers define what they are studying and how to measure it. For example, a construct like self-esteem can be assessed through surveys or questionnaires, allowing researchers to gather data and draw conclusions about its impact on individuals.