Managing the First Factor: Context Is Important

In the focal article, Ree, Carretta, and Teachout (2015) address a common error in research methods, in which researchers neglect the shared variance between facets of a multidimensional construct. We agree with the need to attend to the entire factor structure of constructs when using measures, whether in research or application. The objective of this commentary is to elaborate on useful practices when a dominant general factor (DGF), as defined by the focal article, is found to be present and, in particular, to explore cases of DGF results under research paradigms not considered by the focal article.