The extrapolation of theories of cognitive modeling from psychological contexts to the domain of information systems design has raised empirical questions regarding the validity and reliability of these techniques in the new applications environment. Kelly's (1955) theory of personal construct psychology (PCP) is one such theory which, together with the repertory grid technique of cognitive modeling, is being explored for use in systems development. Since the repertory grid constitutes a mechanism for both the elicitation and the representation of cognitive models, it has been suggested for incorporation into intelligent front-end interfaces for information storage and retrieval systems (ISRS). Previous applications of the grid have emphasized the personal and ideographic characteristics of personal construct systems. New applications in information systems design require verification of the grid's utility and reliability for rendering faithful representations of impersonal and communal knowledge. The research presented here provides a test of the repertory grid for representing commonality of construing among members of a homogenous group of subjects. Commonality of construing is demonstrated on two sets of constructs. Some differences are observed between constructs generated by the subjects and those provided for them by an "expert." Implications of this effect for the application of PCP to ISRS design are discussed.

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