Conflating a concept’s constituent dimensions with its data indicators causes measurement failure.

Evidence

A key point is that complex concepts normally have at least three levels. Confusing the ontological secondary-level dimensions with the data–indicators almost always leads to problems. Core to the basic framework is that both the semantic as well as the indicator levels need to be present. A focus exclusively on the indicators means a stress on measurement and less attention to the substantive content of the concept. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts and Measurement, 304

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes the three levels of a complex concept: the concept itself, its secondary-level dimensions, and the data-indicators used to operationalize them.