Revisiting Kelly’s concept of validation.

Beverly M. Walker, Lindsay G. Oades, Peter Caputi, Christopher D. Stevens, Nadia Crittenden

Psychology Dept, University of Wollongong (Australia)

Abstract
In this paper we consider the nature of validation and its place within Kelly’s overall theory. We make some suggestions concerning its extension, including endorsing the position that it be seen as strengthening or weakening, and proposing that nonvalidation is important to recognise as a process. The relation of validation to the metaphor of the scientist is discussed, demonstrating that this metaphor can limit our understanding of the validational process in a number of important ways. Kelly’s later formulation of the experience cycle, it will be contended, addresses some of those major limitations.

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