One potential alternative view is that the focus should not be on lower level, homogeneous constructs; rather, the real question concerns the optimal bandwidth, or optimal resolution, of measurement for a given purpose. Perhaps higher order constructs such as neuroticism are preferred for some purposes, and lower order constructs such as anxiety or angry hostility are preferred for others. We very much agree with an emphasis on the different roles of broad, multidimensional domains and precisely definable, homogeneous constructs. In fact, we believe our framework offers more precision to the discussion of the different roles of higher order and lower order constructs. There is not a sound psychometric basis for using single scores to reflect broad dimensions in theory tests or prediction studies, so homogeneous constructs should be used for such purposes. Broad construct domains such as neuroticism can provide a powerful, integrative perspective that helps clarify the roles of specific constructs. But if one wants to represent a broad domain in a theory test, one should include separate scores representing each specific construct subsumed in that domain; doing so enables one to know whether different specific constructs play different roles from each other.
