latent variable
a theoretical entity or construct that is used to explain one or more manifest variables. Latent variables cannot be directly observed or measured but rather are approximated through various measures presumed to assess part of the given construct. For example, suppose a researcher is interested in student conscientiousness. Because conscientiousness is a concept that cannot be directly evaluated, the researcher might develop a survey containing items pertaining to behavior indicative of conscientiousness, such as consistently attending classes, turning in assignments on time, engaging in school-sponsored fundraising activities, and so forth. Participants’ responses could then be analyzed to identify patterns of interrelationships from which the values of the latent variable of conscientiousness are inferred. Also called latent construct; latent factor. See also factor analysis; structural equation modeling.