Which of these is NOT an essential component of Kelly's Personal Construct Theory?

In Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, essential components revolve around how individuals perceive the world and organize their experiences through personal constructs. One of the fundamental aspects of the theory is that it emphasizes cognitive categorization; that is, individuals create categories to make sense of their experiences and interactions, reflecting their unique perspectives.

Personal relevance is also a crucial component, as individuals utilize their own experiences and interpretations to form constructs that are meaningful to them. Social interaction plays a significant role in shaping these personal constructs, as individuals often develop their understanding through interactions with others and the social context in which they find themselves.

Direct observation, on the other hand, is not deemed an essential component of this theory. While observations can inform one's constructs, Kelly's approach is more focused on the subjective interpretations and cognitive processes rather than on the objective measurement or direct observation of behavior. Thus, the absence of direct observation as an essential element aligns well with the cognitive and interpretive nature of Personal Construct Theory.