APA Dictionary of Psychology

a technique used to analyze an individual’s personal constructs. A number of significant concepts are selected, each of which is rated by the participant on a number of dimensions using a numerical scale. The findings are displayed in matrix form and can be subjected to statistical analysis to reveal correlations. The repertory grid was developed principally as a means of analyzing personal relationships but has also been used to determine the complexity of a person’s thinking (cognitive complexity) and in various other applications. [introduced by George A. Kelly]