The use of repertory grid method to elicit perceptual data from primary school children

Repertory grid method was used in this study to elicit constructs from 23 children aged between 8 and 11 years of age relating to their perceptions of eight common vegetables. These personal constructs were scored, in relation to each of the vegetables, and analysed using Generalised Procrustes Analysis. These methods were found to be suitable for use with child assessors aged 8 years and above. Results showed that the children sorted these vegetables according to sensory properties (especially texture and flavour), situational usages and perceived need for cooking. Textural properties were particularly associated with aversions to certain vegetable preparations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.