Concepts need abstract upper levels and concrete indicator levels to work cross-nationally.

Evidence

Thus the three-level conceptual structure I propose in this book provides a nice compromise of theoretical generality at the secondary and basic levels, while the historical and cross-national sensitivity of the indicator level provides a solid empirical foundation for the theoretical superstructure. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts, 446

Categorization

• DEFINE: Lays out Goertz’s three-level concept structure—basic, secondary, indicator—as the framework’s core architecture.
• XREF: Connects to ladder-of-abstraction thinking in research design (Sartori’s concept formation) and to measurement-validity debates.