IN DEFENSE OF THE CONSTRUCT-VALIDITY APPROACH

Maraun's (1998) 'mischaracterization of measurement' critique of const ruct validity theory is examined in terms of the distinctions between: (a) semantic denotation and a variable's being exemplified by a value ; (b) semantic denotation and theoretical implication; (c) the meaning of a psychological concept and the theoretical properties of the ment al structure or phenomenon denoted by the concept; and (d) using a psy chological concept in everyday communication and investigating the phe nomenon or structure denoted by the concept. The propriety of criticiz ing psychological measurements on the basis of Wittgenstein's grammar of psychological concepts is also discussed.