A Measure of the Integrative Complexity of Personal Constructs

A repertory grid measure of the integrative complexity of personal constructs is described. The grid is proposed as a measure of a subject's use of comprehensive abstract constructs to integrate and direct the sampling of characteristics used in forming impressions of people. The grid method is based on principles described by Piaget as characterizing the stage of formal operations. At the stage of formal operations, the child uses abstract constructions of what is possible to direct the exploration of what is available to experience. The use of such abstract organizing constructs is referred to here as “integrative complexity.” Grid scores of integrative complexity were found to match simulations of the progressive integration versus fragmentation of constructions. The grid scores were also found to correlate with Crockett's measure of level of organization in impression formation. The results support the credibility of the coordinate grid measure of integrative complexity