Value Constructs: Relationships with Intelligence and Social Background

Abstract

Using a version of Kelly's Role Construct Repertory Grid Test, experiments were conducted amongst samples of adolescents to investigate their modes of construing value concepts. Analysis concentrated on the definition of levels of abstraction and insight associated with individual perceptions of such concepts, a hierarchical structure involving three levels of abstraction being indicated. Results suggested that measured intelligence and social background were significantly correlated with the use of higher levels of abstraction, these correlations remaining significant when the correlation between measured intelligence and social background had been taken into account. No significant relationship was found between the sex of subjects and the levels of abstraction.