Listing a concept’s dimensions without logical structure leaves measurement entirely unguided.

Evidence

The only other common option is to list the dimensions of democracy (e.g., Karl 1990). The list approach is a structureless one. We have an undertheorized concept in the sense that the theory is insufficient to provide any guidance in measure construction. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts, 646

Categorization

• DEFINE: “List approach” is defined here negatively: a structureless concept whose theory gives no guidance for measure construction.
• XREF: Connects to the standing interest in how classification systems constitute infrastructures with political consequences.