The Repertory Grid Technique: A Method for the Study of Cognition in Information Systems

Recent studies have confirmed the importance of understanding the cognition of users and information systems (IS) professionals. These works agree that organizational cognition is far too critical to be ignored as it can impact on IS outcomes. While cognition has been considered in a variety of IS c...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:MIS quarterly 2002-03, Vol.26 (1), p.39-57
Main Authors: Tan, Felix B., Hunter, M. Gordon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cluster analysis
Cognition
Cognition & reasoning
Cognitive models
Information management
Information storage and retrieval systems
Information systems
Information technology
Management information systems
Management philosophies
Management science
Organizational change
Qualitative research
R&D
Research & development
Research Essay
Research methods
Strategic management
Studies
Systems analysis
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Recent studies have confirmed the importance of understanding the cognition of users and information systems (IS) professionals. These works agree that organizational cognition is far too critical to be ignored as it can impact on IS outcomes. While cognition has been considered in a variety of IS contexts, no specific methodology has dominated. A theory and method suitable to the study of cognition-defined as personal constructs that individuals use to understand IT in organizations-is Kelly's (1955) personal construct theory and its cognitive mapping tool known as the repertory grid (RepGrid). This article expounds on the potential of this technique to IS researchers by considering the variety of ways the RepGrid may be employed. The flexibility of the RepGrid is illustrated by examining published studies in IS. The diagnostic qualities of the RepGrid and its mapping outcomes can be used for practical intervention at the individual and organizational levels.
ISSN:0276-7783
2162-9730
DOI:10.2307/4132340