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Less Frequently Used Research Methodologies in Applied Linguistics
Edited by A. Mehdi Riazi
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 6] 2024
► pp. 224–245

Chapter 14
Repertory grids

| Osaka Ohtani University

Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) derives from Personal Construct Psychology. The technique aims to understand how participants view objects, events, or people chosen as a kind of thematic sample by comparing them against each other, revealing the participant’s constructs. After introducing the “fundamental postulate” and corollaries developed by its founder, George Kelly, the chapter explores how this technique may be applied in the field of SLA or language education. After discussing how this highly adaptable technique has been used, the chapter shows how researchers can gain qualitative and quantitative data on research questions relating to change over time or how different members of a group perceive a phenomenon. Although this technique presents some challenges for generalization, the chapter concludes by showing how data may be analyzed and used productively.

Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Theoretical foundations
  • 3.Methodological orientation
    • 3.1Principles and affordances
    • 3.2Types of RQs addressed by repertory grid
    • 3.3Procedures of data collection and analysis
    • 3.4Ethical issues
  • 4.Critiques and responses
  • 5.Conclusions
  • References
Published online: 5 January 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.6.14gro
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