What do we really mean by interactive control systems? The risks of theoretical misspecification

This paper stresses the need for a sound theoretical specification of the construct interactive use of control systems (ICS) prior to fitting it to explanatory models. In particular, two areas related to the theoretical specification of ICS are highlighted: 1) the delineation of the construct's domain, and 2) the selection of the appropriate measurement model for specifying the relationships between the construct, its dimensions and its indicators (i.e. reflective versus formative; latent versus non-latent models). Based on a review of the conceptual underpinnings of ICS, five constitutive dimensions are identified to represent its domain. Furthermore, and in contrast with the reliance of prior research on reflective models, it is suggested that ICS should be modelled as a non-latent multidimensional construct formed from its constitutive dimensions.