A Kelly's triads simulator
This page offers a simple simulation of the technique known as the construct repertory test, or Kelly's triads. This can be used as data collection technique in research, or as a formative assessment activity (or a revision exercise, or simply a lesson starter) in teaching.
Try the technique
Below you will see photographs of three different* animals. (* As the images have been 'chosen' by a computer, it may offer you duplicates1 – if so, refresh the screen to get a different selection).
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- Can you see a way in which two of the animals pictured are similar to each other, but different to the third?
- [If so:] Which two belong together in this way (and which is the odd one out?)
- Can you describe the way in which the two animals you have grouped together are similar? Can you explain why the other animal is different?
- Is there any other way those two animals belong together, but not with the third?
- Is there a way you might consider a different pair of the animals to be more similar in some way, compared with the third?
- [If so, ask yourself the same questions about that discrimination]
- …
If you would like to see different triad, refresh the screen.
Notes:
1 When a researcher or teacher uses the technique they select three cards from a deck of unique cards, to present to the learner, so the three selected 'elements' (as they are called in the method) will always be different. My simulation is limited!
Here the 'elements' are representations of animals, but the technique has been applied in a wide range of contexts. I used this with animals as the elements when working with graduates preparing for middle school teaching, but also used it in my research with different chemical (atomic and molecular) structures.
Try a version of the activity using chemical structures
Try a version with circuit diagrams
Try a version with branches of science
Try a version with the names of chemical elements
Try a version with photographs as triad elements
My teaching example with a group with mixed disciplinary backgrounds was a sorting of albums (records/c.d.s)
To read about this research technique, go to this link:
Construct repertory test (The method of triads)
For an introduction to the theory behind this approach:
To access a chapter describing George Kelly's ideas and techniques:
Constructive Alternativism: George Kelly's Personal Construct Theory
