conceptual proxy

Definitions

A mental representation or abstract model used to stand in for a complex, intangible, or inaccessible phenomenon.

A simplified surrogate concept employed to facilitate the analysis, measurement, or understanding of a more intricate underlying idea.

Examples

In many psychological studies, reaction time is used as a conceptual proxy for cognitive processing speed.

The researchers argued that the survey data served as a reliable conceptual proxy for measuring public sentiment toward the new policy.

Synonyms

abstract representative theoretical surrogate symbolic stand-in conceptual substitute metaphorical equivalent

Antonyms

concrete original literal source tangible reality actual entity physical manifestation