Averaging necessary dimensions signals conceptual confusion, not measurement success.

Evidence

It is not uncommon to see the logical AND at the definitional level with the use of addition or the mean at the data–indicator level. This is a signal of confusion about the concept. This is yet another reason why drawing the basic framework figure is critical: it forces one to be explicit about everything. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts and Measurement, 151

Categorization

• APHORISMS: Rare applied advice for research practice: make the hidden structure visible on paper, because the arithmetic will otherwise hide your assumptions from you.