Causal Construct(s)
Distinguish what is causing from what is being caused
A literature review not only clearly identifies the key constructs, but is also clear on how they affect each other. Causal constructs are those that cause other things to change, e. g. fear is a causal construct if it is proposed to change blood pressure. If a causal construct is measured quantitatively, it is an independent variable, e.g. fear as measured by heart rate. In any causal relationship one thing affects another, e. g. web site ease of use can causally affect web usage. A construct can be both a cause and an effect (or both dependent and independent), e. g. web site usage is affected by ease of use, but in turn web site usage affects web site sales. Moderating constructs are those proposed to alter causal effects, and are often individual differences, e. g. user age may moderate how ease of use affects usage, if young people know more about computers. Intervening constructs are presumed to intermediate causal effects, e. g. user attitude may intermediate between ease of use and usage. In describing theoretical constructs in causal relations, it is critical to distinguish what is causing from what is being caused.
Tags: Logical, Literature Review