Concept formation must trace causes, not only measurable effects

Evidence

These five differences constitute a fundamentally different perspective on concepts. To focus on concepts is to think about the nature of the phenomenon being conceptualized. Factor analysis correctly emphasizes that the effects of the phenomenon are important. However, just as important, if not more, are the causes of the effects. It is worth examining the disease just as much as its symptoms. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts, 137

Categorization

• DEFINE: Names the book’s core stance: concept analysis is about the nature of the phenomenon, not about its measurable symptoms.
• SEED: Angle: why measuring only observable effects (test scores for intelligence, turnout for democracy) systematically misfires on multidimensional concepts.