Internal

Internal Reality in Psychology

• Understanding Behavior

  • Behavioral studies extend beyond mere description to include explanations of underlying mechanisms.

Post Positivism Assumptions

1. Existence of Internal Reality

   • Assumes that an internal reality exists within individuals.

2. Nature of Latent Traits

   • Latent: Innate, inborn, and inherent characteristics found in every individual.

   • Inherent Nature:

     • The latent property never reaches a state of zero—it cannot be entirely absent.

     • Represents a probabilistic truth, avoiding definitive claims of existence or non-existence.

3. Understanding of Internal Reality

   • It is impossible to know the true nature of this internal reality; only theories and hypotheses can be formed about it.

4. Mental Representation

   • To adequately describe this internal reality, mental representations are utilized.

   • Develop a conceptual framework within which these latent properties can be examined indirectly.

Characteristics of Latent Properties

• Covert Nature

  • Latent properties cannot be directly observed through the five senses.

  • Post-positivism supports indirect observation methods.

• Indirect Observability

  • As such, latent properties are studied through their effects or manifestations in observable behavior.

Generating Ideas about Internal Reality

• Theoretical constructs can be developed based on indirect observations; however, these ideas are probabilistic and depend on empirical evidence.

• Limits of Description

  • Since latent properties cannot be externally described directly, they might need to be articulated through virtual or mental constructs.

Key Terms

• Psychological Constructs

  • Latent: Constant or variable aspects observed in psychology.

  • Examples:

    • Imagery: Visual representation formed mentally.

    • Concepts: Generalized ideas that describe common themes across observables.

• Concept vs. Construct

  • Concept: Label for observable or general themes (e.g., life satisfaction).

  • Construct: Observable characteristics that can potentially be studied (e.g., age, gender).

  • Constructs can be categorized as:

    • Constant: Same descriptive attributes (e.g., age)

    • Variable: Different descriptive attributes (e.g., life satisfaction varies per individual).

Conclusion

• In psychological research, constants are less relevant than variables, as understanding variation provides deeper insights into human behavior.