Yogyakarta – The Psychology Laboratory of the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), held a Psychology Journal Club entitled "Meinong's Theory of Objects in Psychometric Measurement Constructs" on Friday, October 30, 2026. The event took place in Meeting Room 2, on the third floor of the Faculty of Psychology building, and featured Rizqy Cahyo Utomo, M.Psi., Psikolog, as the speaker. The academic forum provided an opportunity to explore the relationship between philosophical thought and the development of psychological measurement constructs, particularly from a psychometric perspective.

Discussions about psychological constructs are closely related to a fundamental question: what are we actually measuring through a psychological instrument? Before a psychological attribute is translated into measurement indicators and items, it requires a clear conceptualization of its characteristics, boundaries, and meaning. This is particularly important because many psychological attributes, such as intelligence, personality, motivation, and anxiety, cannot be directly observed. Measuring these attributes requires empirical representations through indicators developed on the basis of sound theoretical foundations.

In this Journal Club session, Meinong's Theory of Objects served as a philosophical perspective for exploring questions concerning objects and their existence. Alexius Meinong's ideas offer the perspective that objects of thought do not necessarily need actual or physical existence to be discussed and possess particular characteristics. This perspective opens up discussions about how objects can be understood through their defining properties, including abstract objects and objects that do not have actual existence. In psychological science, this perspective is particularly interesting because psychological constructs are also theoretical concepts used to explain human attributes through specific characteristics.

The relationship between Meinong's Theory of Objects and psychometric measurement provides an opportunity to reflect on the process of constructing and defining psychological constructs. In instrument development, a construct is not merely a label assigned to a collection of questionnaire items; rather, it is a theoretical concept that requires clear boundaries and representation. The precision of construct definitions influences how indicators are developed, how instruments are constructed, and how measurement results are interpreted. Therefore, philosophical discussions can provide a foundation for reconsidering the assumptions underlying psychological measurement.

The discussion also highlighted the close relationship between psychometrics and the philosophy of science. Statistical accuracy and the selection of appropriate measurement models are essential components of instrument evaluation. However, both need to be supported by conceptual clarity regarding the attributes being measured. Even instruments with strong statistical properties require sound theoretical foundations to ensure that score interpretations adequately reflect the constructs they represent. Consequently, psychological measurement development requires an integration of methodological precision, theoretical understanding, and philosophical reflection.

The organization of this Psychology Journal Club was part of the Psychology Laboratory's efforts to provide a platform for intellectual exchange and academic development within the Faculty of Psychology UNY. By exploring a topic that connects philosophy and psychometrics, the event encouraged an interdisciplinary approach to understanding psychological measurement. Such academic forums also provide opportunities for the academic community to revisit the conceptual foundations of their respective fields, ensuring that the advancement of psychological science focuses not only on methodological applications but also on strengthening the underlying foundations of knowledge.

This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly in promoting lifelong learning, developing academic capacity, and strengthening scholarly discussion within higher education institutions. It is also relevant to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the development of scientific foundations that can support innovation in psychological assessment instruments and measurement methodologies. The organization of this academic forum further reflects the role of higher education institutions in advancing knowledge through intellectual exploration and interdisciplinary approaches.

Through the Psychology Journal Club, the Psychology Laboratory of the Faculty of Psychology UNY continues to foster an academic environment that welcomes critical thinking and diverse scholarly perspectives. The discussion of Meinong's Theory of Objects in psychometric measurement constructs is expected to enrich understanding of the philosophical foundations of psychological measurement while broadening perspectives on the development of psychometric constructs and instruments. This initiative forms part of the Faculty of Psychology UNY's commitment to advancing psychological science through critical inquiry, scientific rigor, and continuous learning.