What is defined as something that exists only because we can define it or infer it from human interactions?

A hypothetical construct is defined as a concept that is not directly observable or measurable but is inferred from human interaction and behavior. In social sciences and management, hypothetical constructs are used to explain complex phenomena by representing them through definitions and operationalizations based on observed behaviors, beliefs, or attitudes. They allow researchers and practitioners to conceptualize factors that might influence organizational dynamics, such as motivation, leadership, or organizational culture, even though these factors cannot be directly quantified.

This term emphasizes the importance of human cognition in shaping our understanding of social phenomena. It underscores how constructs such as "intelligence," "emotional intelligence," or "job satisfaction" are created and agreed upon within the context of research and practice to describe patterns observed in human behavior.

The other choices, while related to the realm of ideas in philosophy and theory, do not capture the specific nature of constructs derived from human interactions in the same way. Abstract concepts refer more broadly to ideas that do not have a physical presence, and philosophical ideas pertain to theoretical approaches rather than constructs inferred from behavior. A theoretical framework shapes research design but does not specifically focus on the inferential nature of constructs based on interactions.