The dichotomous nature of constructs emphasizes the importance of the opposite of usual experience. Have you noticed
Question:
The dichotomous nature of constructs emphasizes the importance of the opposite of usual experience. Have you noticed this theme in any other theorists (e.g., Freud's reaction formation or Jung's shadow)? Kelly refers to identity as a core construct. What other theorists have had similar ideas about the importance of identity or a sense of self? What are the implications of Kelly's Commonality Corollary for psychological testing? (In a nomothetic research study, one that compares individuals, what sorts of questions are consistent with the Commonality Corollary?)
Do you think that cognitive complexity is a general personality trait or a characteristic that can vary considerably, depending on the specific subject matter that a person is thinking about? Based on Kelly's theory and the technique of fixed-role therapy, what do you think would be the effects of acting (as in movies or the theater)? How is such acting different from fixed role therapy? Have you observed or heard of anyone changing dramatically in ways that could be described by Kelly's concept of slot movement? Propose a researchable hypothesis about cognitive complexity or some other concept from personal construct theory.
Questions
1. Explain Kelly's concept of constructive alternativism.
2. What is meant by Kelly's metaphor of man-the-scientist? In what ways are people like scientists? In what ways are they not?
3. Explain the difference between a verbal construct and a preverbal construct. Give examples to illustrate each.
4. What concepts from Kelly are relevant in understanding personality development? Contrast this approach with theories that propose stages of development.
5. Why do we make the choices we do, according to Kelly's Choice Corollary? Give an example to illustrate the idea of the elaborative choice.
6. Explain the difference between a permeable construct and a concrete construct. Give examples of each.
7. What concept from Kelly's theory would be relevant for understanding why a person makes a radical change in personality—for example, a criminal who repents and becomes a born-again Christian? Explain how this concept is relevant to the dichotomous nature of constructs.
8. Describe the hierarchical organization of constructs, from core, superordinate constructs to peripheral, subordinate constructs. How does this organization relate to identity?
9. What does Kelly's Fragmentation Corollary suggest about the situational stability of behavior?
10. What is the range of convenience of a construct?
11. According to Kelly's Individuality Corollary and Commonality Corollary, what is the main way in which individuals differ from one another? In what way can they be evaluated as similar?
12. How can personal constructs facilitate or prevent a social relationship from occurring?
13. Describe the REP Test. What information does it offer to a therapist to help understand a client?
14. Summarize research on cognitive complexity. Why is this an adaptive characteristic?
15. How does personal construct theory explain the emotions of threat, fear, anxiety, and hostility?
16. Explain the C-P-C Cycle of effective action. In what ways can it be distorted to interfere with effective action?
17. How does personal construct theory explain creativity?
18. How does a therapist learn about a client's constructs?
19. Describe techniques for changing constructs.
20. What is fixed-role therapy?
21. How do clients' stories (narratives) relate to personal constructs?
22. Summarize some research using personal construct theory or its measures outside of the clinical setting.
Expert Answer:
Yes I have noticed this theme in other theorists Freuds reaction formation and Jungs shadow are both examples of constructs that emphasize the importance of the opposite of usual experience Kellys Com... View the full answer
