bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Reported Generalised Anxiety and Psychomotor Test Performance in Healthy South Africans
Authors: van Wijk Charles H.
Published: March 2013

Tests like the Grooved Pegboard may have specific value in South Africa in the context of screening for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. However, there are inconsistent findings on the relationship between self-reported anxiety and neuropsychological performance in healthy adults, and in particular on tests of psychomotor functions such as the Form Board and Grooved Pegboard. Given the potential value, it is important to clarify the relationship between self-reported anxiety and performance on psychomotor tests among South African samples. Two studies are presented here. One sample of 170 young adults (19–30 years) completed the Form Board and Grooved Pegboard, after completing an anxiety scale. A second sample of 1,056 healthy adults (19–49 years) completed the Grooved Pegboard only after completing an anxiety scale. Age, gender, and education have previously been found to confound performance on these tests, and they were thus entered into a Multiple Regression Analysis, together with anxiety. In the first study, anxiety did not contribute significantly to performance variance. In the second study, both gender and anxiety did contribute significantly, and separate gender group regressions were thus done. Anxiety did not have a negative influence on performance in the female group, but it did contribute significantly to reducing performance in the male group. In review of these findings, this study cautions that anxiety may confound psychomotor test performance, and that clinicians need to be aware of its potential influence.
South African Indian Women Screened for Postpartum Depression: A Multiple Case Study of Postpartum Experiences
Authors: Kathree Tasneem , Petersen Inge
Published: March 2013

Postpartum depression is a debilitating condition with negative psychosocial implications. Given a dearth of literature on prevalence or experiences of postpartum depression in South Africa, we sought to understand the experiences of South African Indian women screened for postpartum depressive symptoms. Ten low-income women screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at primary health care clinics at two locations in KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed, using a multiple case study qualitative method, to understand their experiences within a biopsychosocial framework. The data were analysed thematically with the assistance of NVivo 8. In line with other studies on postpartum depression, the study revealed that interpersonal issues, abusive relationships, economic hardships, and a lack of adequate social support precipitated or aggravated depressive feelings in the postpartum period.
The Implementation and Evaluation of a Resiliency Programme for Children
Authors: de Villiers Marisa , van den Berg Henriëtte
Published: March 2013

Children moving from middle childhood to adolescence experience challenges that require effective skills to cope with the increasing complexity of life. This is particularly true in South Africa where the exposure to violence, poverty and ongoing socio-economic transformation leads to high levels of stress. Accordingly, children need to be resilient to cope with stress and trauma. The goal of this investigation was to develop, implement and evaluate a resiliency programme for 12–year-old children. A total of 161 participants was selected from four schools in the Bloemfontein area and divided into experimental and control groups. The Solomon Four Group Design was used. The following measuring instruments were used to assess the participants' resilience: the Behavioural and Emotional Rating Scale, Resiliency Scales for children and adolescents, and the Fortitude Scale. The intervention programme consisted of 15 sessions presented over a period of three weeks and focused on activities promoting emotional regulation, stress management, interpersonal skills, and problem solving. Two post-test evaluations were conducted: three weeks after the intervention programme and a follow-up three months later. Findings indicated that intra personal characteristics such as emotional regulation and self-appraisal increased significantly after the children had been exposed to the resiliency programme; while interpersonal skills and external resources such as family and general social support did not increase significantly. The content of the resiliency programme and the recommendations for interventions are discussed in the article.
The Experiences of Educational Psychologists Who Utilise Ego-State Therapy to Address Dissociation in Adolescents
Authors: da Silva Jenny , Fritz Elzette
Published: March 2013

Ego-state therapy is regarded an effective therapeutic technique for addressing dissociation. However, studies by psychologists (especially educational psychologists) who utilise ego-state therapy with adolescents presenting with dissociation are not readily available. This article derives from such a study aimed at exploring the experiences of educational psychologists with regard to the process followed in ego-state therapy, as well as its appropriateness for adolescents experiencing dissociation. Data were collected from four participants through incomplete sentences, semi-structured interviews, and symbolic artefacts, using a phenomenological research design. The findings demonstrate the value of utilising ego-state therapy as a therapeutic intervention for adolescents manifesting with dissociation.
“I Don't Remember Dying”. A Case Study of the Resolution of Chronic Pain Utilising Medical Hypnoanalysis
Authors: Modlin Trevor
Published: March 2013

While chronic pain is a major challenge to clinicians, advances in epigentics and analytical hypnotherapy provide both an understanding of how they develop and the means to bring relief. Many of these conditions are based on faulty subconscious belief systems as a result of early life imprints — particularly in reference to spiritual issues. A brief explanation of Medical Hypnoanalysis and its usefulness is provided in a case history in which the underlying dynamics are discussed and followed to a successful outcome.
Introducing SHIP® as a Psychotherapeutic Model to Access the Body Memory of Traumatised Clients: Depathologising Expressions of Trauma
Authors: Steenkamp J.O. , van der Walt M. Jaco , Schoeman-Steenkamp Elna M. , Strydom Irene
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this article is to destigmatise the normal expressions and reactions of people's psycho-biodynamic systems to trauma. A theoretical exposition will be provided on the effect of trauma on the bodily and psychological systems and on how SHIP® (Spontaneous Healing Intrasystemic Process) psychotherapy describes accessing the body memories of traumatised clients. The SHIP® perspective on trauma will be briefly contextualised in an attempt to contribute to the elaboration of the body of knowledge of positive psychology. The article will focus on reframing the chronic dis-ease or “pathology” of traumatised clients as activated healing messages.
Psychological Undertones of Family Poverty in Rural Communities in Cameroon: Resilience and Coping Strategies
Authors: Tchombe Therese Mungah Shalo , Shumba Almon , Lo-Oh Joseph Lah , Gakuba Théogène-Octave , Zinkeng Martina , Teku Teku Tanyi
Published: March 2013

The objectives of this exploratory study were to investigate (a) the effects of poverty, and (b) family resilience strategies used in managing poverty among the Bakweri of Bonavada villages in Cameroon. Fifty heads of families comprising 250 persons constituted the participants of the study. Ten of the family heads who are opinion leaders were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and ten participated in a focus group discussion. In addition, an unstructured interview was used to collect data from 40 heads of families. Data were analysed using content analysis and descriptively using percentages. The study found that the effects of family poverty are multifaceted, and families depend largely on resilience and their socio-cultural context to cope with poverty.
Factors Impeding School Connectedness: A Case Study
Authors: Rawatlal Kamilla V. , Petersen Inge
Published: March 2013

The Department of Education in South Africa has adopted the concept of whole school development in the delivery of basic education. Social connectedness in the school environment is central to this concept and is protective of mental well-being and can contribute to reducing high risk behaviour in adolescents. The aim of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of factors impeding school connectedness in a public South African school as a case study, with the view to making recommendations for interventions for school connectedness. The study utilised an ecological perspective. In gauging participants' perceptions of factors that impede school social connectedness, four focus groups with Grade 10 learners and seven individual interviews with teachers and managers, were conducted. Factors impeding school connectedness at the community school management level were education policies, management practices and discipline strategies. Education policies were viewed as non-reflective of the diversity of South African schools. “Top-Down” Management practices were viewed as creating communication barriers, and discipline strategies were viewed as contributing to deviance. At the interpersonal level, peer pressure to belong to groups where learners resist school regulations were highlighted. It also emerged that adolescents are more likely to seek help for interpersonal problems or issues from informal sources such as peers and family. At the intrapersonal level self-regulation skills, emotional competence and a positive future orientation were reportedly poorly developed amongst learners and attributed to poor discipline and a lack of warmth at home, a focus on academics and assessment at school and perceptions of limited post-school opportunities. Key recommendations include the formation of a school liaison group to promote policies and management practices; building protective peer networks, and programmes to develop emotional competence, self-regulation skills and a sense of positive future orientation.
The Psychologica-Bildungsroman: Exploring Narrative Identity, Audience Effect and Genre in Autobiographies of Trainee-Psychologists
Authors: Knoetze Jan J. , Stroud Sean P.
Published: March 2013

Applicants to training courses in professional psychology are routinely required to submit an autobiography or life story as part of the selection process. What we are curious about is when several autobiographies, despite each presenting their own idiosyncratic identity, share commonalities. Nine autobiographies of successful applicants to a training course in professional psychology were analysed using an experience centred approach to narrative analysis. Specific influence of audience effect, development of a narrative identity, and genre were focused on in the analysis. We conclude that narratives represent a specific form of the Bildungsroman as a coming-of-age into the profession of psychology and propose that autobiography as part of the selection process can be utilised effectively as a precursor to the training of professional psychologists.
A Preliminary Standardisation of the Bohnen et al. Version of the Stroop Color-Word Test for Setswana-Speaking University Students
Authors: Oosthuizen Michael D. , Phipps Warwick D.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to undertake a preliminary standardisation of the Bohnen, Jolles, and Twijnstra (1992) version of the Stroop Color-Word Test for Setswana-speaking university students. The Bohnen et al. (1992) version (Bohnen Stroop), which is a modified version of the original Stroop Color-Word Test, is traditionally considered a neuropsychological measure of selective attention, otherwise known as concentration. In the present study, a computerised version of the Bohnen Stroop was administered to 102 Setswana-speaking university subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Tests for normality indicated that, except for Subtask III and Interference Measure III-II, the distributions were not normal. Mann-Whitney test analysis indicated that age and gender significantly affected test performance, specifically: (a) although the 22–30 year-old group was (significantly) slower than the 18–21 year-old one on Subtask I (i.e. word reading) and Subtask II (i.e. colour naming), this same (i.e. older) group was faster — and thereby displaying reduced interference — on Interference Measure III-II (i.e. standard interference); and (b) the female group performed faster on Subtask II (i.e., colour-naming). Preliminary normative data, including z-scores and cut-off scores, were established. Furthermore, Cronbach's alpha calculations for the subtasks and interference measures yielded values ranging from .78 (Subtask III) to .88 (Subtask IV), thereby demonstrating acceptable internal consistency. Ultimately, however, the normative data are based on non-normal distributions and, therefore, a complete standardisation of the Bohnen Stroop is recommended.
Verbal Mediation of Problem Solving in Pre-Primary and Junior Primary School Children
Authors: Damianova Maria K. , Lucas Marilyn , Sullivan Gavin Brent
Published: March 2013

Human ontogeny entails the construction and use of semiotic mediational means to regulate psychological functions intrapersonally and interpersonally. In the Vygotskyan school of thought, speech is regarded as both a mediatory tool and a mediated higher mental function and, as such, is considered central to the development of children's cognition. Grounded in Vygotsky's work on speech as an instrument of thought, this study examined the dynamics of verbal mediation of children's problem solving with specific focus on the use of social, private and inner speech. The study investigated the incidence and semantic composition of speech produced during problem solving and delineated the age related changes of the semantic profile of private speech in relation to social speech and inner speech. A total of 120 children, aged from 5 years, 6 months to 9 years, 5 months, with equal distribution of boys and girls, completed the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. The participants within the four age groups were of different ethnic origin but all spoke English as their first language. The results indicated that children relied extensively on all three types of speech and that the semantic content of both social and private speech was primarily task-oriented. Unlike social speech, private speech presented with a dual, cognition-centred and emotions-centred semantic profile, in which complex age-related changes, as shown by a one-way MANCOVA, permeated children's verbal denotations of salient task-related dynamics. Importantly, significations of emotional processes featured consistently in the content composition of private speech and showed a steady age-related occurrence. It was concluded that verbal mediation of children's problem solving is multimodal, multifocal and multidirectional.
An Empirical Contribution to the Identification of Second Language Skills
Authors: Chamberlain J.C.
Published: March 2013

Two mutually exclusive hypotheses about the nature of second language skills are investigated. Hypothesis 1 (H1) states that second language skill is separable into components related to linguistically defined categories. Hypothesis 2 (H2) is that second language ability is mainly a unitary factor so that once the common variance on a variety of language tasks is explained, essentially no meaningful unique variance attributable to separate components will remain. Previous studies suggest greater support for H2. However, studies of first language abilities favour H1. Data from 547 first-year students at teacher training schools of the Department of Education and Training do not give unambiguous support to either hypothesis. The results suggest that the differentiation of second language ability into separately identifiable skills is related to the level of proficiency attained. The higher level of proficiency results in greater differentiation of separate language skills. Results are regarded as suggestive of further research, but in no way definitive.
Imaginative Play in Pre-School Children as an Indicator of Emotional and Cognitive Development
Authors: Shmukler D.
Published: March 2013

Although imaginative play in children has long been of interest to psychologists it is only recently that it has become a topic for serious psychological research, largely through the groundbreaking work of J. Singer and his associates at Yale. In the present paper a summary of the major research focus on imaginative play is presented. Research outlining some of the correlates of the predisposition to imaginative play, studies linking imaginative play and creativity, the effects of the structure of toys and clinical applications are discussed.
Behavioural Evolution of Humanistic Psychology
Authors: Campbell M.E. , Cull J.G.
Published: March 2013

The present paper describes the mutual influences of society and psychology on one another for the last 30 years and evaluates humanism and its assumptions from a biological-behavioural perspective. The first half of the paper is an impressionistic review of faddism in psychology which recounts the popularity of humanism and behaviourism in the recent past. The paper continues by comparing the assumptions of behaviourism and humanism and discussing the orderly evolution of humanism in terms of behaviourism. A basic theme throughout this paper is the biological heritage of psychology and the usefulness of adapting and applying certain biological theories to the study of behaviour. It is shown that behaviourism and humanism are functionally equivalent in technique and objective and that a ‘let it be’ philosophy is ultimately compatible to both orientations. At issue are the basic assumptions regarding free will and determinism.
Rotter Internal-External Scale in an African Context: Problems of Construct and Equivalence
Authors: Munro D.
Published: March 2013

It is argued, in relation to the cross-cultural equivalence of personality measures, that of the three phases of test development namely construction, establishment of reliability and of validity, the second tends to receive too little attention. Accordingly, Rotter I-E Scale data from black and white students in Zambia and Rhodesia were compared with each other and with data collected in other countries. It is concluded that the Rotter I-E Scale is not a reliable instrument even for American groups; that responses may reflect manifest item content more than underlying cognitions about control; and that while locus-of-control seems a valuable and perhaps valid construct for cross-cultural personality and motivation research, we need better scales to measure reliability.
Word Categorization as a Function of Stimulus Presentation
Authors: Bhana Kastoor , O'Neil Charity
Published: March 2013

Word categorization as a function of stimulus presentation was examined by means of the Word Categorization Test, in a group of young adults. The results indicate (a) a minimal use of the phonetic similarity criterion, (b) a differential employment of semantic similarity and complementarity criteria depending upon the stimulus presentation procedure, (c) a significant sex difference, and (d) evidence of response patterning in one of the presentation conditions. The results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and methodological implications.
Psigofisiologiese reaksies op verskillende musiekstimuli
Authors: Louw J. , van Rooyen J.W.
Published: March 2013

Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om vas te stel of twee verskillende tipes musiek en/of verskillende ritmes verskillende fisiologiese veranderinge sou ontlok, en/of mans en dames verskillend sou reageer op musiekstimulering. Die proefpersone was 24 manlike en 24 vroulike eerstejaarstudente. Deurlopende metings van die galvaniese velrespons, hart-en asemtempo is verkry terwyl uittreksels uit twee ‘pop’-musiekstukke en twee klassieke musiekstukke deur gehoorstukke aan individuele proefpersone voorgespeel is. Reaktiwiteit op die musiekstimulering is in terme van Lacey se Outonomiese Labiliteitstellings uitgedruk. Die tellings is ontleed met behulp van Hotelling se enkelmonster T2-statistiek en profielontledings. Die ontledings het getoon dat fisiologiese reaksies op die twee tipes musiek en die twee ritmes nie beduidend verskil het nie, en dat mans en dames nie verskillend reageer het op musiekstimulering nie.
Is the Dogmatism Scale Irreversible?
Authors: Ray J.J.
Published: March 2013

A review of various attempts to produce balanced versions of the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale (‘D’ scale) shows that the highest positive-negative correlation obtained on a general population sample was-0,32. This was obtained with the Ray (1974a) ‘BD’ Scale Mark 11. An attempt to improve on this figure was made by administering only the best eight items of this scale to a community sample of 87 Sydney people. The positive-negative correlation obtained was-0,37. It was pointed out that Rorer's (1965) work showed only that there was no such thing as a general tendency to acquiesce. It did not rule out acquiescence as a response to ambiquity (Peabody 1966). Balanced scales are therefore still necessary. It was concluded that the ‘D’ Scale may be inherently and unacceptably ambiguous.
Contribution of Louis L. Thurstone towards Current Theories of Cognitive Structure
Authors: Visser J.D. , Jenks M.R.
Published: March 2013

This discussion assesses models of cognitive structure and the contribution of Louis L. Thurstone. Two types of models are considered in the light of the available empirical evidence and special attention is given to the work of J.P. Guilford and Joseph R. Royce. While there is no conclusive evidence favouring either type of model, it seems probable that a hierarchical model which allows for interaction at each level and between different levels may eventually provide a viable solution. In this respect, Thurstone is seen as having provided the main empirical grounds on which subsequent theories were built.
Die perseptuele spoedfaktor
Authors: Schoeman A.
Published: March 2013

Hierdie ondersoek is uitgevoer om die konstrukgeldigheid van twee nuut opgestelde perseptuele spoedtoetse te bepaal, asook die Perseptuele Spoedfaktor te ondersoek. Toetse vir die meting en ondersoek van drie verwante faktore, naamlik Ruimtelike Waarneming, Spoed van Sluiting en Buigsaamheid van Sluiting is by die ondersoek ingesluit. 'n Battery van 16 toetse is toegepas en 'n faktorontledingsondersoek is gedoen. Drie eersteorde-faktore is onttrek en skuins geroteer. Een tweedeorde-faktor is onttrek. Die resultate toon dat twee van die gepostuleerde faktore, naamlik Perseptuele Spoed en Ruimtelike Waarneming, na vore gekom het. 'n Derde faktor, naamlik Perseptuele Sluiting, wat blyk 'n samestelling van die twee sluitingsfaktore te wees, is geïdentifiseer. Al drie die onttrekte eersteorde-faktore het gelaai op die een onttrekte tweedeorde-faktor — 'n resultaat wat ooreenstem met die resultate van ander navorsers.
Factors Related to the Performance of Psychotherapists during Training
Authors: Mauer K.F.
Published: March 2013

The study reported here was undertaken to gain an understanding of the manner in which the selection board for prospective students in clinical psychology used certain variables; to determine whether predictors based upon a theoretical selection model were associated with performance during training; and to assess whether the trainees' levels of the core conditions of psychotherapy changed significantly in the direction of those of their trainers. Only 25,8% of the variance on a select-reject criterion could be explained by means of the predictors. There was some evidence that the variables used were predictive of subsequent performance and the findings were interpreted as shedding some light on the complexity of the demands made upon trainee psychotherapists. The students showed significant gains in non-possessive warmth, empathy, and genuineness after 18 months of training and their rated levels on these variables approximated those of their trainers.
Sex-Trait Stereotypes and their Evaluation among Indian Adults
Authors: Bhana Kastoor
Published: March 2013

A description of those characteristics comprising the male and female stereotypes, using the Adjective Check List (ACL), was obtained from a group of young Indian adults. A different group independently evaluated the traits (adjectives) of the ACL. The results revealed a description of the male and female stereotypes; a substantial lack of agreement between the sexes with respect to the features characteristics of each sex; and a differential evaluation by the sexes of the male and female stereotypes. These results were discussed in terms of their experimental and practical implications.
Alcohol, Expectancies, Sex and Social Setting Effects on Depression
Authors: Bolon Kevin , Barling Julian
Published: March 2013

This study assessed the effects of alcohol, expectancies, social setting and sex on self-reported depression. Alcohol consumption resulted in increased depression which manifested ideationally, and it is hypothesized that mood variables may be more susceptible to direct alcohol (pharmacological) effects, while attributions may be influenced more by expectancies regarding alcohol consumption. In addition, females self-reported more physiologically-manifested depression than their male counterparts, suggesting a differential interpretation of similar physiological states. It is suggested that future research might profitably include behavioural measures of depression, and concentrate on alcoholics as subjects.
Astrology and Personality: Sun-Sign or Chart?
Authors: Fourie D.P. , Coetzee C. , Costello D.
Published: March 2013

Recent studies on astrology and personality have almost exclusively concentrated on the sun-sign. Astrologers, however, maintain that the complete astrological chart gives a more accurate indication of personality than the sun-sign alone. A study was conducted to test this hypothesis. Two astrologers independently rated 48 subjects on the 16PF factors by using the complete chart. Inter-astrologer correlations were computed and found to be low. The ratings of each astrologer were correlated with the 16PF scores obtained by the subjects. No pattern of significance was observed. The same subjects were furthermore independently rated on the same factors by using only the sun-sign. Significant correlations were found between these ratings and the 16PF scores on eight of 17 (15 primary and two second-order) factors.
Luna's Neuropsychological Investigation — Adaptations for Use with White English-Speaking South African Adults
Authors: Watts A.D. , Tollman S.G.
Published: March 2013

Traditionally, South Africa has followed the West in using quantitative psychometric procedures for Neuropsychological Assessments. Procedures developed in other parts of the world, however, may yield further valuable information. Luria's Neuropsychological Investigation (LNI) (originating in Russia) provides a qualitative assessment of psychological processes which have been pathologically disturbed as a result of brain damage. It is therefore a descriptive profile which investigates a wide range of behaviour. In this research project, the suitability of using the LNI for White, English-speaking South Africans was investigated and minor modifications to the procedure are suggested.
Feedback in the Acquisition of a Miniature Artificial Language
Authors: Gilbert L.H.
Published: March 2013

The role of explicit informational feedback about semantic and syntactic errors was investigated in an experiment where university students were required to learn a miniature artificial language. A computer presented a series of simple geometric objects on a visual display screen, and alternately provided the proper description of the configuration (a model) or accepted and corrected the descriptions of the subject. The four experimental conditions were that (a) both semantic and syntactic errors were corrected; (b) only semantic; (c) only syntactic; (d) no errors were corrected. The results indicated that the subjects did not effectively utilize the feedback they received, and under all conditions learned the language from the model sentences which were presented.
Het die Sielkunde as wetenskaplike projek misluk?
Authors: Kruger D.
Published: March 2013

Die vraag of Sielkunde as wetenskaplike projek gefaal het, hou verband met die Sielkunde as teoretiese wetenskap en word bevestigend beantwoord. Na 100 jaar as selfstandige wetenskap is die Sielkunde nog steeds 'n preparadigmatiese wetenskap. Dit word toegeskryf aan die voorrang wat natuurwetenskaplike metodiek, die Cartesiaanse dualisme wat die kanker van die Sielkunde is, en aan die feit dat die sielkundige nie met sy priměre belewing van die fenomeen van ondersoek begin nie, maar met konstruksies van die werklikheid wat on- krities uit (meesal) die natuurwetenskappe oorgeneem word. Geen een van die drie hoofrigtings en ook nie strukturalisme of sisteemteorie is in staat om 'n paradigma te lewer nie en dit word aan die hand gedoen dat daar weer eens na die filosofiese antropologie gekyk en weer besin word oor die ware aard van die sielkundige studieveld. Dat 'n fenomenologiese of hermeneutiese sielkunde wel 'n paradigma kan lewer, word as moontlikheid gestel.
Die invloed van artefaktuele faktore op die aanleer van willekeurige beheer oor harttempo
Authors: Grobler J.J.
Published: March 2013

Die ondersoek is gedoen om te bepaal in watter mate artefakte die resultate van bioterugvoering beïnvloed. Vier groepe is elk aan vier eksperimentele sessies onderwerp waartydens hulle harttempo vermeerder en verminder is. Die wyse waarop artefakte die resultate sou kon beïnvloed is tussen die groepe gevarieer. Resultate dui op 'n tendens om beter resultate te kry tydens streng kontrole van die artefakte. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat artefakte moontlik 'n negatiewe uitwerking op die beheer van die hartritme kan uitoefen.
'n Beoordeling van ‘kreatiwiteitstoetse’ ten opsigte van rasionaal en psigometriese standaarde
Authors: Visser Delene
Published: March 2013

Huidige probleme rakende die meting van kreatiewe potensiaal word beoordeel vanuit 'n teoretiese oogpunt. Kritiek word gelewer teen die kriteria wat vir kreatiwiteit gebruik word sonder om die gebied van kreatiewe aktiwiteit in ag te neem, sowel as teen die algemene misver-stand wat kreatiewe vermoë gelykstel aan divergente denkvermoë.

In die meerderheid van ondersoeke oor kreatiwiteit het die navorsers probeer om 'n onderskeid tussen intelIigensie en kreatiwiteit te tref, terwyl dit aangetoon kan word dat IK-toetse hoofsaaklik uit items van konvergente denke bestaan en die sogenaamde ‘kreatiwiteitstoetse’ is niks meer as metings van divergente denke nie. Daar word voorgestel dat die kognitiewe aspekte van kreatiwiteit beskou word as deel van die intellektuele domein soos oorspronklik deur teoretici soos J.P. Guilford bedoel is.

Die bekendste ‘kreatiwiteitstoetse’ word sistematies geëvalueer betreffende rasionaal en betroubaarheids- en geldigheidsgegewens. Geeneen van die toetse kan as voldoende beskou word ten opsigte van algemene psigometriese standaarde nie en dit word gevind dat 'n rasionaal wat gebaseer is op 'n grondige teorie van kreatiwiteit vir elk van die toetse ontbreek.
Brief Visual Memory Processes in Reading-Disabled Children
Authors: Loubser Noleen , Sharratt Pamela
Published: March 2013

The information processing approach was used as a basis for studying some brief visual memory processes in reading-disabled children. Three aspects of processing were examined, viz., (i) duration of icon persistence; (ii) performance under different backward masking conditions; and (iii) processing of information into a more durable short-term visual memory store. It was found that there were no differences in the duration of icon persistence in reading-disabled children, but that these children exhibited marked impairment in performance in the tasks used in the latter two experiments. The reasons for the reading-disabled children's poorer performance in these tasks were not apparent. Speculations about the strategies used by these children in approaching the tasks are made. Possible implications are discussed.
Gesinsgrootte, geboortevolgorde en toetsprestasie
Authors: Owen K.
Published: March 2013

Aangesien daar nog weinig navorsing in die RSA rakende die verwantskap tussen geinsgrootte, geboortevolgorde en toetsprestasie uitgevoer is, word 'n redelik omvattende literatuuroorsig van wat elders bevind is, aangebied. In die huidige studie is die effek van gesinsgrootte en geboortevolgorde op toetsprestasie (die agt toetse van die Aanlegtoetse vir Skoolbeginners) ten opsigte van 'n verteenwoordigende steekproef van 1792 Kleurlingskoliere in sub A ondersoek. Die Kleurling is vir hierdie ondersoek gekies omdat daar 'n besonder groot aantal groot gesinne by hulle aangetref word. Slegs een van die agt toetse, naamlik toets 2 (Ruimtelik) het 'n algehele F-waarde opgelewer wat beduidend op die 1%-peil is. 'n Moontlike verklaring waarom slegs in genoemde geval positiewe resultate verkry is, word aangebied. Die ondersoek steun die bevindinge van onder andere Eysenck & Cookson (1970), naamlik dat daar 'n beduidende verwantskap tussen gesinsgrootte en toetsprestasie bestaan, dog nie tussen geboortevolgorde en toetsprestasie nie. In die geval van die Kleurlinge blyk dit dus dat groot gesinne wel in 'n mate nadelig is so ver dit sekere soorte toetsprestasies betref. 'n Aanbeveling in verband met verdere navorsing word gemaak.
Trainability Testing: Pros and Cons
Authors: Taylor T.R.
Published: March 2013

Trainability testing has been used in the UK, sometimes with a remarkable degree of success, to select individuals for training in new skills. The potential applicability of the method in South Africa with its large numbers of unskilled and semiskilled workers is obvious. Trainability testing does, however, have disadvantages as well as advantages. This article evaluates the strong and weak points of trainability testing against those of conventional testing. Suggestions are made as to where trainability testing can be applied most fruitfully. It is also suggested that its effectiveness could be improved by introducing baseline measures.
The Factorial Structure of the South African Version of the Wechsler-Bellevue Adult Intelligence Scale in a White South African Psychiatric Population
Authors: Madge Elizabeth M. , Coetzee A.L.
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the factorial structure of the South African version of the Wechsler-Bellevue Adult Intelligence Scale in a white psychiatric population. The pattern for the W-B reported in various overseas studies (a verbal factor, a perceptual organization factor and a freedom from distractibility/memory/number factor) was clearly in evidence in two different orthogonal rotations (varimax and equamax) but somewhat less clearly so in an oblique (direct quartimin) rotation. It was also concluded that the usual interpretation of the Full Scale IQ as an index of general intelligence is appropriate since the first unrotated principal factor accounted for about 55% of the total variance with loadings above 0,6 for all the subtests. The two verbal subtests with the highest loadings in this g-type factor were Similarities (0,787) and Arithmetical Reasoning (0,762); of the performance subtests, Block Design (0,817) and Picture Completion (0,802) showed the highest loadings.
Personality Factors as Moderators of the Psychological Impact of Life Stress
Authors: Duckitt John , Broil Teresa
Published: March 2013

Six personality dimensions, derived by factor analysis from the 16 PF, were examined as possible moderators of the impact of recent life changes on psychological strain in a student sample. The results indicated a significant interaction effect for only one of these dimensions, extraversion, with high scorers (extraverts) appearing to be significantly more tolerant of recent life change than low scorers (introverts). This finding, which appears to be consistent with reports from other retrospective studies indicating that measures of arousal-seeking status moderate the psychological impact of life stress, is discussed in terms of Eysenck's theory of extraversion.
Developmental Aspects of Ideational Fluency, Flexibility, and Originality: South Africa and the United States
Authors: Ripple Richard E. , Jaquish Gail A.
Published: March 2013

A cross-cultural study was conducted to provide evidence related to previous research results on the life-span development of three divergent thinking abilities (fluency, flexibility, and originality). Samples from four age groups (children, adolescents, young adults, adults) in each of two cultures (South Africa and the United States) served as participants. Participants responded to presentation of four groups of auditory stimuli recorded on a casette tape. Responses were scored for fluency, flexibility, and originality. Developmental trends across the four age groups displayed a similar pattern in both cultures for all three variables. The developmental shape of these patterns was similar to those displayed In previous research using larger samples in the United States.
Effects of the Stimulus Variable on Matrix Classification Responses of 12-Year-Old Children
Authors: Ramkissoon Rusthum Davrajh , Bhana Kastoor
Published: March 2013

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between stimulus dimensionality (2-D and 3-D) and matrix classification responses of 12-year-old South African Indian children. Sixty 12-year-old subjects (30 males and 30 females), from a middle-class background were selected. The two sets of stimuli were drawn from the same conceptual domain, namely, geometric shapes and forms. The traditional Piagetian assessment technique of completion was employed. The results revealed that subjects showed a higher rate of success, in terms of both behavioural responses and verbal explanations, with 3-D stimuli than with 2-D stimuli. The results are discussed in relation to (a) the need for standardization of stimuli and assessment techniques to enable a greater degree of generality, and (b) the applicability of the present stimuli across a variety of cultures.
The Control of Psychological Tests by the Test Commission of the Republic of South Africa (TCRSA)
Authors: Prinsloo R.J.
Published: March 2013

The aim of the Test Commission of the RSA (TCRSA) is to promote the usefulness of tests and prevent misuse of such tests and questionnaires, while at the same time an effort is made to maintain and extent the standard of professional development of psychological tests.

The classification of tests is one of the most important tasks of the Test Commission. Tests are classified into three categories, namely C, B and A tests. The differences between the three categories of tests as well as the differences between the users of A tests, psychotechnicians and psychometrists, are pointed out.

An explanation of the terms, ‘control of a test’ and ‘use of a test’ is given and the types of tests that may be used by the persons registered in the various categories, are discussed. Reference is also made to the misuse of tests and the consequences of such misuse.
Symbolic Play and Communication in Hearing-Impaired Children: Piaget and Vygotsky Reconsidered
Authors: Segal Denise E.
Published: March 2013

The controversy concerning the relationship between language and cognition still persists. In the present paper, an attempt is made to demonstrate that a synthesis between the differing approaches of Piaget and Vygotsky is preferable when applied to the preschool child. Findings with hearing-impaired children are drawn upon to highlight this. The limitations of studies to date which have investigated language and cognition at the stage of symbolic play are briefly discussed.
Applying Social Learning Theory to Advertising
Authors: Lunz Joan
Published: March 2013

The present study investigated the applicability of social learning theory to advertising. An attempt was made to test whether the sex of both model and observer, as well as four increasing levels of perceived reinforcement influenced the effectiveness of an advertisement. Ninety-six 10–12-year-old children were exposed to one of eight stimulus advertisements, in a 2 × 2 × 4 (sex of subject × sex of model × level of reinforcement) design. They were questioned on their recall of, attitudes and behavioural intentions towards the advertisement, its models, and the product (a fictitious brand of sweets). Both same- and cross-sex imitation occurred in different contexts. The most explicit level of reinforcement determined the most effective advertisement for girls in terms of recall, reinforcement perception (when the male model was shown), and attitudes to the product (when the female model was shown). However, boys behaved in the expected direction solely in terms of the last-mentioned area. It was concluded tentatively that social learning theory may well be valid in understanding the advertising process, but that further research is required.
Social Learning Theory: A Psychological Approach to Advertising Effectiveness?
Authors: Fullagar Clive , Barling Julian
Published: March 2013

Most of the current research on consumer reactions to advertisements has utilized explanations based on advertising models of consumer behaviour. The present study assessed the utility of social learning theory approaches to advertising effectiveness. Orthogonal 2 times; 2 × 2 times; 2 (race of model × sexiness of model × race of observer × sex of observer) ANOVAs were computed on 160 subjects' recall of an advertisement, attitudes to that advertisement, and purchase intention following exposure to the advertisement. In considering the various two-way and higher-order interactions that emerged, it was concluded that a framework of social learning theory may account for the findings. Specifically, the interaction between behaviour, the environment, and cognitive events influencing perception and action, together with the situational specificity hypotheses adequately explain consumer reactions to advertising. It is suggested that other social learning constructs such as response-outcome expectations, their valence, and the delay of gratification paradigm may further explain such behaviour.
Computerized Testing
Authors: Taylor T.R.
Published: March 2013

The National Institute for Personnel Research (NIPR) is in the process of developing a computerized psychological testing system. The programs developed for the system may be divided into four categories: the control programs, the tests, test manuals and statistical procedures. This article concentrates on the tests. The advantages and disadvantages of computerized testing are discussed. Some of the main features of NIPR computerized tests are described. Finally, one of the tests, the Arithmetic Reasoning Test, is described in some detail to illustrate the type of testing material which is being programmed on the system.
Mediating Communication within and between Population Groups
Authors: Forgus Ronald , Forgus Marveen
Published: March 2013

Four small groups, each composed of three racial categories, and varying along the dimension of conservative to radical, met In one-hour weekly sessions to discuss fundamental change in South Africa. Group 1 was the most conservative politically, Group 2 was the most radical, while Groups 3 and 4 had more moderate ideas about political change. During Sessions 1 and 2 the members of the groups were instructed to focus on clarifying their own opinions and ideas about changing South Africa, as they communicated with each other. The groups were then made more heterogeneous by intermingling of Groups 1 and 2, and Groups 3 and 4, and met for Sessions 3 and 4 during which they were instructed to focus on walking in each other's shoes. All discussion sessions were mediated by using group sensitivity techniques to facilitate communication.

The discussion sessions were all tape-recorded and, after being transcribed, a reliable scoring manual was constructed to code the interaction patterns between members into eight categories which could be used as indices to measure changes In effective communication. The quantitative results Indicated that there were significant directional changes in four of these indices from Session 1 to Session 2, and in six of these indices from Session 3 to Session 4. While the relatively fast change groups showed more change from Session 1 to Session 2, the combination of the two moderate rather than the two extreme groups showed more improvement in communication from Session 3 to Session 4. The groups also produced 20 workable, consensual suggestions for constructive change in South Africa. These findings, which reveal that skilled mediation in supportive group dynamic atmospheres can facilitate and improve communication transmission, are interpreted in the light of an outflow theory of perception.
Person-Environment Mismatch: Does One Square the Hole or round the Peg?
Authors: Moerdyk Alwyn P.
Published: March 2013

In this paper a look is taken at organizational effectiveness in terms of a Person-Environment (P-E) match and it is argued that the various approaches to the improvement of on-the-job performance focus either on changes at the individual level (‘fitting the man to the job’) or at the organizational level (‘fitting the job to the man’). Furthermore it is also argued that these interventions occur at either a global preventative level or at a localized remedial level. The resulting 2 × 2 classification of four basic strategies for enhancing P-E match are discussed and evaluated. It is concluded that in a mixed-economy situation, such as occurs in South Africa at present, attention should be given to adapting organizational structures and job processes to make them more compatible with the needs and values of the local work force.
Die verwantskap tussen houdings teenoor navorsingsmetodologie en teorie van sielkundige meting en houdings teenoor wiskunde
Authors: Visser Delene
Published: March 2013

Voor- en nagraadse sielkundestudente aan die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika (Unisa) moet opleiding in navorsingsmetodologie en psigometrika ondergaan. Studente se negatiewe houdings teenoor hierdie kursusvereiste, sowel as die statistiese aard van die inhoud daarvan, het gelei tot die hipotese dat houdings teenoor navorsingsmetodologie verwant is aan houdings teenoor wiskunde, en in die besonder wiskundeangs. Multidimensionele houdingskale is ontwikkel om verskeie houdings teenoor wiskunde en navorsingsmetodologie te meet. Die genoemde hipotese is bevestig vir 'n steekproef van voor- en nagraadse sielkundestudente, maar daar is gevind dat prestasietellings en houdings teenoor navorsingsmetodologie nie met mekaar verband hou nie. Die gevolgtrekking is gemaak dat vrees vir navorsingsmetodologie 'n irrasionele gevoel is wat gegrond is op 'n subjektiewe verwerping van die relatlef vreemde studiemateriaal en wat nie noodwendig gekoppel is aan die vermoë om die kursus te bemeester nie.
Predictive Validity of the Senior Aptitude Tests for Indian South Africans (SATISA)
Authors: de Villiers Louis
Published: March 2013

It is vital that a person should make the correct vocational choice and the role played by the guidance teacher in this regard in administering and interpreting tests, remains a very important aspect of education. In this connection a survey was conducted to establish the relation between the test achievements of Indian matriculants in the Senior Aptitude Tests for Indian South Africans (SATISA) and their matriculation examination marks, with a view to shedding more light on the efficacy of the SATISA in predicting academic achievement. The total population of 1977 matriculants was tested and data analysis was done separately for boys and girls. Eight subjects which represent different fields of study were selected to serve as criteria for the survey.