Cutting Edge Research Tools for Language Teachers: An Introduction to Repertory Grids

JALT 25th Annual International Conference

Saturday, October 9, 1999

 

Gregory Hadley

Nagaoka National College of Technology

e-mail:  hadley@nuis.ac.jp

 

I.               Introduction

A.    Most common tool for action research is the questionnaire.

B.    Potential weakness of this approach is an over-reliance on the teacher's frame of reference.

C.    Sometimes a research tool is needed that can:

1.     Avoid research bias,

2.     Allow subjects to communicate their viewpoint on a subject in their own words, without interference from the researcher,

3.     Be analyzed in a variety of ways that are understandable to outside observers.

 

II.              Background of Repertory Grids

A.    Developed by George Kelly

B.    Personal Construct Psychology

1.     Constructs (bipolar)

2.     Elements

C.    Repertory Grid used to study a person's worldview in the form of bipolar constructs.

1.     Market Research

2.     Problem-solving/decision-making

3.     Educational Research

4.     Artificial Intelligence

 

III.            The Repertory Grid Procedure (See Instructions)

A.    Important:  This is a demonstration of only one of the many variations of this technique.

 

IV.            Examples of Repertory Grid-based Research in Japan

A.    Cooperative Development (Statistical Analysis)

B.    Action Research with 165 Japanese College Students (Interpretive Analysis)

 

V.             Conclusion

 

Bibliography

 

Easterby-Smith, M. (1981).  The design, analysis and interpretation of repertory grids.  In Shaw, M.L.G. (Ed.).

Recent Advances in Personal Construct Technology, pp 9-30.  London:  Academic Press.

 

Feixas, G. and Cornejo-Alvarez, J.M. (1996).  A Manual for the Repertory Grid:  Using GRIDCOR Programme

            (Version 2.0).  Barcelona:  Paidos.

 

Hadley, G. and Yoshioka-Hadley, H. (1996)  The culture of learning and the good teacher in Japan.  The Language

            Teacher (20) 9, 53-55.

 

Hadley, G. (1996).  Bridging the Cross-cultural Gap with Personal Construct Repertory Grids.  Unpublished MA

            Dissertation:  Centre for English Language Studies, University of Birmingham, UK.

 

Kelly, G.A. (1955).  The Psychology of Personal Constructs (Vols. 1 & 2).  New York:  Norton & Co.

 

Mayes, J. and Stewart, V. (1998).  Enquire Within for Marketing and Consultancy Professionals Version 1.2.5.

            Wellington, New Zealand:  Enquire Within Developments.