Formalizing concept structure improves both theory and quantitative measurement

Evidence

If we are to validly translate concepts into quantitative measures then we need some way—or ways—of formalizing concept structures. This has multiple advantages. It permits us to directly link concept structures with eventual quantitative measures. It also makes explicit the theory and hypotheses that lie in the ontology of the concept. Finally, it makes clear some of the options for concept-building. Instead of taking the default structure or even ignoring the problem altogether formalization can mean better theory and better methodology. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts, 264

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s interest in classification systems as infrastructure with political consequences — concept structure here is the explicit schema that later measurement and coding inherit.
• SEED: Angle: ‘The ontology inside your index’ — how the unstated structure of a concept silently decides what your data can ever show.