Fred van Staden

The South African Journal of Sociology during the eighties: An analysis of theoretical and empirical contributions

Abstract This review of research published in the SAJS over the past 10 years includes analyses of theoretical versus review conlributions, populations, methods of sample selection, some aspects of sample composition, types of research design employed and statistical techniques used. Altogether 181 articles were reviewed. In comparison with the substantial number of review type articles which were published few articles dealt with theory development or concentrated on original empirical research. Accessible populations were defined in 6.5% of the contributions, but in only 17% of the studies were useful descriptions of these populations provided. Only 24% of the studies made use of randomized sample selection procedures while 24% did not explain the procedure used to select their samples. Explicit recognition of population and sample limitations in drawing conclusions was respectively found in only 11% and 15% of the studies. Seventy-seven percent of the studies w...

Heroin dependence recovery

The consequences of heroin dependence can be extremely difficult to escape from, resulting in unpleasant and potentially terrifying experiences. This descriptive study explores the factors which are important in achieving abstinence, in allowing recovery to be maintained in the longer term, and in potentially allowing an eventual exit from heroin dependence, from the experiences and suggestions of 40 long-term voluntarily abstinent heroin dependents. Findings revealed that behaviour modification and the promotion of recovery occurred mostly through interventions, producing a range of positive effects that facilitated natural recovery processes. Clear support was obtained for the ‘maturing out’ hypothesis of heroin dependence.

Research and Publications Output: A Survey of the Psychology Department at UNISA

This study explored factors influencing the production of research and publications by members of the Psychology Department of the University of South Africa. With regard to external factors, it was found that lack of a culture of research and lack of recognition for research and publication in the Department tended to inhibit research. But support offered by the University in terms of recess leave, funding and library resources were sources of encouragement and motivation. Interpersonal factors, such as contact with other academics and students, and publication were also motivating. Internal personal factors, such as self-discipline, enthusiasm and interest, were not as frequently mentioned as external factors. It was recommended that a departmental research committee with a participative approach and clear duties be established to address the needs of staff members. Given the National Department of Educations call for increased research output it follows that academic departments will have to adapt to the proposed funding shift by assessing and strenghtening their existing research capacitites.

Mothers of Children with Facial Cleft Deformities: Reactions and Effects

This descriptive study deals with maternal reactions to the birth of a child with a facial cleft deformity as well as the effects it had on their family and marital life. An open-ended questionnaire was distributed to a population of 204 mothers of children up to the age of 10 years attending a facial cleft deformity clinic. A response rate of 67,6% was obtained and the research group consisted of 138 married mothers from lower to middle income families with a mean age of 32 years. It was found that initial reactions to their childrens deformity coupled with their reappraisals over time reflect a process of mourning where initial shock and disorganization resulted in most cases in a phase of reorganization. A progressive change from loss and threat appraisals to assessing the situation primarily as a challenge was noted. The birth of the child had both straining and strengthening effects on family life and on marital relations. In descending order, the effects on family life were reported to have influenced interpersonal relations, organizational aspects of the household, behavioural patterns, social life and personal well-being. Marital relationships were mostly strengthened as a result of taking responsibility for dealing with the childs deformity. Straining effects focused primarily on emotional rejection and behavioural withdrawal.

Analysis of Themes and Statistical Techniques: A Review of the past Decade of the South African Journal of Psychology

This review of articles published in the South African Journal of Psychology over the past 10 years includes analyses of themes, theoretical versus review contributions, and statistical techniques used in research articles. It was found that a fair range of themes was covered, with topics relating to clinical/counselling psychology, developmental psychology and personality psychology receiving most attention. Comparatively few articles dealt with theory development. In research contributions the use of basic statistical techniques was clearly favoured above more sophisticated methods of data analysis. No significant changes in the use of statistical techniques occurred over the past 10 years. The results were compared with similar analyses of American journals and general implications of the findings are discussed.

Analysis of Sample Selection, Sample Composition and Research Design: A Review of the past Decade's Contributions to the South African Journal of Psychology

This review of research published in the South African Journal of Psychology (SAJP) between 1979 and 1988 included analyses of populations, methods of sample selection, some aspects of sample composition, types of research design employed and approaches to knowledge building. Altogether 149 articles (containing 159 studies) were reviewed. Accessible populations were defined in 67% of the contributions, but in only 3% of the studies were useful descriptions of these populations provided. Only 18% of the studies made use of randomized sample selection procedures while 25% did not explain the procedure used to select their samples. Explicit recognition of population and sample limitations in drawing conclusions was found in only 7% and 19% of the studies respectively. Also, 31% of all samples were drawn from student populations. Eighty-three per cent of the studies were intra-culturally oriented, but nearly half of these made use of only white samples. A fairly small number of cross-cultural studies (17%) were recorded. Research designs most frequently adopted were correlational type studies (45%) while the favoured approach to knowledge building was to extend findings (57%) rather than to test theory or replicate prior research. A comparison with a similar analysis of the American Educational Research Journal revealed that mostly only minor differences exist between the two journals. Other topics addressed included an examination of trends over time, the implications of using non-randomized samples, the low incidence of cross-cultural studies and the limited attention paid to replication approaches to knowledge building.

A Decade of Environmental Psychology in South Africa

A brief summary is provided of the development of environmental psychology in South Africa. Discussion focuses on contributions to human -environment theorizing, completed research, and university training in environmental psychology. In conclusion it is argued that the development of a socially responsive environmental psychology in South Africa is dependent upon the extent to which attention is paid to sociopolitical factors influencing human — environment relationships.A brief summary is provided of the development of environmental psychology in South Africa. Discussion focuses on contributions to human -environment theorizing, completed research, and university ...

A Cross-Cultural Study of Children's Cognitive Maps

This cross-cultural study was designed to investigate childrens development of spatial representation as measured by the sketch map technique (cognitive mapping). The sample (N = 526) consisted of white, black, Asian and coloured South Africans of both sexes varying in age from 5 to 13 years. The maps were assessed according to a Piagetian constructivist framework and the quality of accompanying verbal descriptions was evaluated. The sketch maps differed in terms of age but not race, gender or socio-economic status. Evaluative verbal descriptions were provided by more girls than boys and by more white subjects than black subjects. The developmental trends shown were similar to those described in the existing literature.

Developments in Defining the Experience of Crowding

Developments in the attempt to define the experience of crowding is traced from its original inception in psychological literature. It is concluded that contemporary conceptualizations of crowding point to its description as a transactional process.Developments in the attempt to define the experience of crowding is traced from its original inception in psychological literature. It is concluded that contemporary conceptualizations of crowding point to its description as a transactional process.

Tree Cultivation in Disadvantaged Communities: Successes and Constraints

SYNOPSIS This study dealt with the experiences of forestry extension officers employed by the South African Chief Directorate of Forestry of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The extensionists were active in disadvantaged communities with the primary goal of contributing to community development by promoting a culture of tree planting/cultivation and advancing the sustainable utilisation of trees. A questionnaire consisting of open ended questions were mailed to all forestry extensionists, yielding a return rate of 81,8 % (N=22). The questions probed the goals and strategies used; reasons for successes; problems encountered; advice to inexperienced counsellors and recommendations for improving success rates. Responses were content analysed and a model of the forestry extension process was developed. It was concluded that different approaches are required when dealing with urban and rural communities; extensionists require formal training and follow-up programmes; a systematic research programm...