Which set of terms aligns most closely with Kelly's concept of personal constructs?

The selection of interpretation and explanation of events aligns closely with Kelly's concept of personal constructs. Personal constructs are cognitive frameworks that individuals use to interpret and make sense of their experiences. They shape how a person perceives the world and respond to different situations. In Kelly's view, individuals continuously interpret events based on their developed constructs, allowing them to explain their experiences and predict future occurrences.

This emphasis on interpreting and explaining is foundational in Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, where individuals actively organize their experiences and relationships through these constructs. The process of using personal constructs involves evaluating and interpreting experiences in a way that provides meaning, which is intrinsic to human understanding and decision-making.

The other options, while relevant to various psychological processes, do not capture the essence of personal constructs as effectively. Learning and retention pertain more to memory and acquisition of knowledge, diagnosis and treatment focus on clinical approaches to mental health, and observation and analysis relate to data collection and evaluation rather than the subjective lens through which individuals interpret their lives. Therefore, the focus on interpretation and explanation highlights the dynamic nature of how personal constructs operate in everyday life.