Operational Definitions Jesse, who is a very capable student, almost panicked when asked to answer a homework question in class.His instructor inferred from Jesse's discomfort that he suffers from public speaking anxiety.In this example, public speaking anxiety is a
A)hidden variable.
B)hypothetical construct.
C)nonconstruct variable.
D)sham variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Public speaking anxiety is a hypothetical construct because it is an internal psychological condition that cannot be directly observed or measured. The instructor inferred its existence based on Jesse's behavior, but the anxiety itself is a construct that can only be inferred or indirectly measured through observable signs and symptoms.

Operational Definitions Jesse, Who Is a Very Capable Student, Almost