Investigating the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and attention skills in children living with HIV
- Authors: Ngomane, Sibongile
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Adverse childhood experiences , Attention in children , HIV-positive children , Cognition disorders in children , Cognitive effects of HIV
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465821 , vital:76656
- Description: Background: While persons living with HIV (PWH) have benefited from significant advances in antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, neurocognitive deficits sequent HIV, remain elevated in this population. Notwithstanding HIV, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been implicated in compromised neurocognitive outcomes in children living with HIV. There however, continues to be a dearth of research, investigating the intertwined nature of HIV, ACEs, and neurocognition in pediatric and adolescent HIV. Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between ACEs (High vs Low) and attention outcomes, in children and adolescents, living with HIV, a residing at HIV care shelters in South Africa. Methods: A non-experimental quantitative research design, inclusive of 42 participants (n = 22 males; n = 20 females), was employed to answer the research questions pertinent to the study. Measures of neurocognition were assessed using the NEPSY-II. Adverse childhood experiences were assessed using the ACE CYW-Qs. Independent Sample t-test and Hierarchical regression analysis were conducted to answer research goals, using jamovi 2.3.21 statistical software. Results: The study found that participants who reported a high number of ACEs also performed poorly on attention measures. There were inconclusive findings on the effect of biological sex and age, on attention outcomes. Conclusion: Higher levels of childhood adversities are associated with poorer outcomes in attention scores among children living with HIV. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngomane, Sibongile
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Adverse childhood experiences , Attention in children , HIV-positive children , Cognition disorders in children , Cognitive effects of HIV
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465821 , vital:76656
- Description: Background: While persons living with HIV (PWH) have benefited from significant advances in antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, neurocognitive deficits sequent HIV, remain elevated in this population. Notwithstanding HIV, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been implicated in compromised neurocognitive outcomes in children living with HIV. There however, continues to be a dearth of research, investigating the intertwined nature of HIV, ACEs, and neurocognition in pediatric and adolescent HIV. Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between ACEs (High vs Low) and attention outcomes, in children and adolescents, living with HIV, a residing at HIV care shelters in South Africa. Methods: A non-experimental quantitative research design, inclusive of 42 participants (n = 22 males; n = 20 females), was employed to answer the research questions pertinent to the study. Measures of neurocognition were assessed using the NEPSY-II. Adverse childhood experiences were assessed using the ACE CYW-Qs. Independent Sample t-test and Hierarchical regression analysis were conducted to answer research goals, using jamovi 2.3.21 statistical software. Results: The study found that participants who reported a high number of ACEs also performed poorly on attention measures. There were inconclusive findings on the effect of biological sex and age, on attention outcomes. Conclusion: Higher levels of childhood adversities are associated with poorer outcomes in attention scores among children living with HIV. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
The effects of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) on mental health: the case of Shezongo Community of Kafue National Park (KNP), Zambia
- Authors: Smith, Loryn Janine
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships Zambia Kafue National Park , Human–wildlife conflict , Wildlife management areas Zambia , Environmental psychology , Mental health , Well-being , Human-animal relationships Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465843 , vital:76658
- Description: Background: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a bi-directional relationship affecting man and wild animals. Both species suffer extreme consequences, including encroachment of man into wildlife habitats and the destruction of crops and livestock by wildlife foraging for food sources. HWC is particularly prominent in Game Management Areas (GMAs), situated as buffer zones around national parks. Subsequent conflict between man and wildlife leads to not only physical harm but also psychological distress, exacerbating the consequences for mental health. Objectives: A mixed methods design was used to investigate the effects of HWC on mental health. The study aimed to determine the hidden nature of HWC within a population residing in a GMA region in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Methods: Forty-two participants took part in this study, representing a diverse range of demographic characteristics. Of these, 40 participants completed quantitative measures investigating the effect of HWC on mental health. Additionally, eight participants participated in interviews on the nature of mental health in the context of HWC. Some interview participants also completed the quantitative measures, while others did not. Thematic analysis guided qualitative investigations, while Chi-Square Analyses and Fisher’s Exact Test were used to investigate the association between HWC and mental health. Results and Conclusions: The study found an association between HWC and heightened psychological distress in rural communities residing in GMA areas. Further research is required to improve the symbiotic relationship between man and wildlife, considering the consequences of HWC on human well-being and mental health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Smith, Loryn Janine
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships Zambia Kafue National Park , Human–wildlife conflict , Wildlife management areas Zambia , Environmental psychology , Mental health , Well-being , Human-animal relationships Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465843 , vital:76658
- Description: Background: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a bi-directional relationship affecting man and wild animals. Both species suffer extreme consequences, including encroachment of man into wildlife habitats and the destruction of crops and livestock by wildlife foraging for food sources. HWC is particularly prominent in Game Management Areas (GMAs), situated as buffer zones around national parks. Subsequent conflict between man and wildlife leads to not only physical harm but also psychological distress, exacerbating the consequences for mental health. Objectives: A mixed methods design was used to investigate the effects of HWC on mental health. The study aimed to determine the hidden nature of HWC within a population residing in a GMA region in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Methods: Forty-two participants took part in this study, representing a diverse range of demographic characteristics. Of these, 40 participants completed quantitative measures investigating the effect of HWC on mental health. Additionally, eight participants participated in interviews on the nature of mental health in the context of HWC. Some interview participants also completed the quantitative measures, while others did not. Thematic analysis guided qualitative investigations, while Chi-Square Analyses and Fisher’s Exact Test were used to investigate the association between HWC and mental health. Results and Conclusions: The study found an association between HWC and heightened psychological distress in rural communities residing in GMA areas. Further research is required to improve the symbiotic relationship between man and wildlife, considering the consequences of HWC on human well-being and mental health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
Attitudes and achievement in statistics: a meta-analytic and functional near-infrared spectroscopy approach
- Authors: Wagenaar, Emma Kate
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Statistics Study and teaching , fNIRS , Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex , Learning, Psychology of , Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435490 , vital:73162
- Description: Statistics anxiety describes the extensive worry and apprehension that students may experience when faced with statistics content as part of their university curriculums. Student’s perfunctory disposition towards statistics has been indicated to negatively affect performance outcomes in statistics courses. Two meta-analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between statistics anxiety and achievement in statistics. The first meta-analysis was inclusive of 22 studies investigating the relationship attitudes towards statistics and achievement, whilst the second meta-analysis focused on the relationship, primary amongst Psychology students. Student’s attitudes towards statistics were measured using the Survey of Attitudes Towards Statistics (SATS), whilst achievement in statistics courses was quantified using different outcome measures. Finding from the meta-analysis were supplemented by cortical mapping of the neural correlates of statistical reasoning using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results from the meta-analysis indicated a small significant relationship between university students’ Affect, r = 0.28, Value, r = 0.22 and Difficulty, r = 0.18, and subsequent achievement in statistics courses. A medium significant relationship between Cognitive Competence, r = 0.31, and achievement was also noted. Findings from the second meta-analysis, indicated a medium, significant relationship between Affect, r = 0.32, and Cognitive Competence, r = 0.35, and achievement. Moreover, a small significant relationship was found between Value, r = 0.24, and Difficulty, r = 0.23, in relation to achievement in statistics courses. Case study analysis of the neural correlates of statistics reasoning revealed varied signal quality findings of cortical mapping of the neural correlates of statistics in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Moreover, seed-based correlation analysis indicated cortical activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex paired with diverse prefrontal regions. Recommendations from the study include improvements to the fNIRS research design and the inclusion of larger samples to investigate the cortical mapping of the DLPFC in relation to statistics reasoning and statistics anxiety. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wagenaar, Emma Kate
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Statistics Study and teaching , fNIRS , Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex , Learning, Psychology of , Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435490 , vital:73162
- Description: Statistics anxiety describes the extensive worry and apprehension that students may experience when faced with statistics content as part of their university curriculums. Student’s perfunctory disposition towards statistics has been indicated to negatively affect performance outcomes in statistics courses. Two meta-analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between statistics anxiety and achievement in statistics. The first meta-analysis was inclusive of 22 studies investigating the relationship attitudes towards statistics and achievement, whilst the second meta-analysis focused on the relationship, primary amongst Psychology students. Student’s attitudes towards statistics were measured using the Survey of Attitudes Towards Statistics (SATS), whilst achievement in statistics courses was quantified using different outcome measures. Finding from the meta-analysis were supplemented by cortical mapping of the neural correlates of statistical reasoning using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results from the meta-analysis indicated a small significant relationship between university students’ Affect, r = 0.28, Value, r = 0.22 and Difficulty, r = 0.18, and subsequent achievement in statistics courses. A medium significant relationship between Cognitive Competence, r = 0.31, and achievement was also noted. Findings from the second meta-analysis, indicated a medium, significant relationship between Affect, r = 0.32, and Cognitive Competence, r = 0.35, and achievement. Moreover, a small significant relationship was found between Value, r = 0.24, and Difficulty, r = 0.23, in relation to achievement in statistics courses. Case study analysis of the neural correlates of statistics reasoning revealed varied signal quality findings of cortical mapping of the neural correlates of statistics in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Moreover, seed-based correlation analysis indicated cortical activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex paired with diverse prefrontal regions. Recommendations from the study include improvements to the fNIRS research design and the inclusion of larger samples to investigate the cortical mapping of the DLPFC in relation to statistics reasoning and statistics anxiety. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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To yoga or not to yoga? The effect of yoga on sustained attention: an fNIRS Study
- Authors: Cunningham, Cornelia
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Yoga , Vigilance (Psychology) , fNIRS , Neuroplasticity , Executive functions (Neuropsychology) , Non-randomized controlled trial report
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435411 , vital:73155
- Description: Deficits in sustained attention are ubiquitous across numerous neuropsychological disorders. Besides being critical in learning, memory, and general cognitive capacity, sustained attention is thought to be the primary foundation for ‘higher’ cognitive functions including, divided, selective, and focused attention. Despite the above, sustained attention remains the lesser-researched form of attention. Sustained attention is thought to be regulated by the default mode network and the central executive network, the latter of which is situated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region typically associated with sustained attention. Given the contributions of sustained attention in overall cognitive functioning, alternative and natural methods used to enhance this type of executive function are important. One alternative method is yoga exercise, where yoga is thought to place the body into the most favourable state to enhance sustained attention capacity. This study found a significant (p = 0.018) difference between the yoga and control group in incongruent response accuracy scores in the SCWT. However, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fNIRS individual and group analyses, SCWT congruent and incongruent reaction time, as well as congruent response accuracy. This suggests that short-term yoga practice may improve behavioural markers for sustained attention, at least in terms of cognitive interference. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cunningham, Cornelia
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Yoga , Vigilance (Psychology) , fNIRS , Neuroplasticity , Executive functions (Neuropsychology) , Non-randomized controlled trial report
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435411 , vital:73155
- Description: Deficits in sustained attention are ubiquitous across numerous neuropsychological disorders. Besides being critical in learning, memory, and general cognitive capacity, sustained attention is thought to be the primary foundation for ‘higher’ cognitive functions including, divided, selective, and focused attention. Despite the above, sustained attention remains the lesser-researched form of attention. Sustained attention is thought to be regulated by the default mode network and the central executive network, the latter of which is situated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region typically associated with sustained attention. Given the contributions of sustained attention in overall cognitive functioning, alternative and natural methods used to enhance this type of executive function are important. One alternative method is yoga exercise, where yoga is thought to place the body into the most favourable state to enhance sustained attention capacity. This study found a significant (p = 0.018) difference between the yoga and control group in incongruent response accuracy scores in the SCWT. However, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fNIRS individual and group analyses, SCWT congruent and incongruent reaction time, as well as congruent response accuracy. This suggests that short-term yoga practice may improve behavioural markers for sustained attention, at least in terms of cognitive interference. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among university students in developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors: Ndlovu, Philani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: College students Alcohol use Developing countries , Prevalence , College students Conduct of life , College students Attitudes , Alcohol Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425019 , vital:72202
- Description: High alcohol misuse is associated with many challenges, including (a) unsafe sex, problems with the criminal justice system, absenteeism, academic failure, death, injury, and alcohol related harm, both in the developing and developed world. Despite the above, no meta-analysis had been conducted in the literature to comprehensively study the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) amongst university students in the developing world. This study reviewed literature related to AUDs among university students in developing countries. It described the concept of AUD and the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, including biological, cognitive, psycho-social, and economic impacts on the individual and the family. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Philani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: College students Alcohol use Developing countries , Prevalence , College students Conduct of life , College students Attitudes , Alcohol Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425019 , vital:72202
- Description: High alcohol misuse is associated with many challenges, including (a) unsafe sex, problems with the criminal justice system, absenteeism, academic failure, death, injury, and alcohol related harm, both in the developing and developed world. Despite the above, no meta-analysis had been conducted in the literature to comprehensively study the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) amongst university students in the developing world. This study reviewed literature related to AUDs among university students in developing countries. It described the concept of AUD and the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, including biological, cognitive, psycho-social, and economic impacts on the individual and the family. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
Development and calidation of the psychometric properties underpinning the Kwaito Music Attitude and Perception Scale (KMP)
- Authors: Williams, Akhona
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception , Chronbach's alpha , Kwaito (Music) , Psychotherapy and music -- South Africa , Problem youth -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing -- South Africa , Perception -- Testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172478 , vital:42208
- Description: Music holds a privileged position in enhancing therapeutic well-being, supporting life skills development in youth and adolescents, and shaping cultural identities. As such, music has been closely related to youth culture, especially as it pertains to youth rehabilitation and identity formation. Studies (e.g., Duffy and Fuller, 2000; Miranda et al, 2013; Strayhorn, 2011; Tomasello, 2016) highlight the value of utilising music in youth rehabilitation, and acknowledge the intrinsic value of music to facilitate psychological and social change for individuals who would not otherwise benefit from psycho-education, or other didactic modes of youth rehabilitation. That said, Tyson (2005) developed the RAP music scale to psychometrically validate the underlying constructs of youth’ attitudes and perception of rap music in the United States of America, in order to use the instrument for music-based youth rehabilitation programs. The development of the RAP music scale informed the creation and validation of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale, the subject of my Masters thesis. Following suggestions from Morrison (2014), my study sought to psychometrically validate the properties of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale. The KMP was found to be a reliable measure of kwaito music attitudes and perception amongst a sample of South African youth who listen to this genre of music. The internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s α (Alpha) value of 0.820. Limitations of the project including reduced factor extraction and sample size constrains are discussed. It is envisioned that results from this study will find resonance with youth-community programs, and rehabilitation projects utilising music as a medium of healing amongst South African youth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Akhona
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception , Chronbach's alpha , Kwaito (Music) , Psychotherapy and music -- South Africa , Problem youth -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing -- South Africa , Perception -- Testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172478 , vital:42208
- Description: Music holds a privileged position in enhancing therapeutic well-being, supporting life skills development in youth and adolescents, and shaping cultural identities. As such, music has been closely related to youth culture, especially as it pertains to youth rehabilitation and identity formation. Studies (e.g., Duffy and Fuller, 2000; Miranda et al, 2013; Strayhorn, 2011; Tomasello, 2016) highlight the value of utilising music in youth rehabilitation, and acknowledge the intrinsic value of music to facilitate psychological and social change for individuals who would not otherwise benefit from psycho-education, or other didactic modes of youth rehabilitation. That said, Tyson (2005) developed the RAP music scale to psychometrically validate the underlying constructs of youth’ attitudes and perception of rap music in the United States of America, in order to use the instrument for music-based youth rehabilitation programs. The development of the RAP music scale informed the creation and validation of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale, the subject of my Masters thesis. Following suggestions from Morrison (2014), my study sought to psychometrically validate the properties of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale. The KMP was found to be a reliable measure of kwaito music attitudes and perception amongst a sample of South African youth who listen to this genre of music. The internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s α (Alpha) value of 0.820. Limitations of the project including reduced factor extraction and sample size constrains are discussed. It is envisioned that results from this study will find resonance with youth-community programs, and rehabilitation projects utilising music as a medium of healing amongst South African youth.
- Full Text:
A Meta-Analysis of Psychology Students’ Attitudes Towards Statistics to Address Statistics Anxiety In The Social Sciences
- Authors: Wagenaar, Emma Kate
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- South Africa , College students -- Attitudes , Statistics -- Study and teaching , Anxiety , Performance anxiety , Systematic review
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BA(Honours)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185483 , vital:44390
- Description: Statistics anxiety is a well-documented phenomenon amongst students which is a result of negative attitudes towards Statistics. This is especially prevalent in the Social Sciences with Psychology students, where research indicates a relationship between attitudes and achievement in Statistics courses. This research project aimed to investigate this relationship. My study took the form of a meta-analysis comparing Psychology students’ attitudes towards statistics using the SATS, to their achievement in statistics/quantitative research methods courses. Results indicated a statistically significant relationship between the attitudes of Psychology students (r = 0.226, p is less than 0.05), quantified by their reported Affect, self-perceived Cognitive Competence, measure of Value and degree of Difficulty of Statistics, and their subsequent achievement in Statistics. The strongest correlations were noted for Affect (r = 0.247, p is less than 0.005) and Cognitive Competence (r = 0.29, p is less than 0.005) SATS scores. Heterogeneity was noted in Affect (I² = 30.998%) and Difficulty (I² = 54.248%). The study possessed limitations in the integration of other factors into the meta-analysis, availability of studies, and understanding of meta-analysis. Future Statistics attitudes research should include achievement measurements for more investigation into this relationship. This research will hopefully lead to more support in both quantitative research design and statistical training for postgraduate Psychology students at Rhodes University.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wagenaar, Emma Kate
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- South Africa , College students -- Attitudes , Statistics -- Study and teaching , Anxiety , Performance anxiety , Systematic review
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BA(Honours)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185483 , vital:44390
- Description: Statistics anxiety is a well-documented phenomenon amongst students which is a result of negative attitudes towards Statistics. This is especially prevalent in the Social Sciences with Psychology students, where research indicates a relationship between attitudes and achievement in Statistics courses. This research project aimed to investigate this relationship. My study took the form of a meta-analysis comparing Psychology students’ attitudes towards statistics using the SATS, to their achievement in statistics/quantitative research methods courses. Results indicated a statistically significant relationship between the attitudes of Psychology students (r = 0.226, p is less than 0.05), quantified by their reported Affect, self-perceived Cognitive Competence, measure of Value and degree of Difficulty of Statistics, and their subsequent achievement in Statistics. The strongest correlations were noted for Affect (r = 0.247, p is less than 0.005) and Cognitive Competence (r = 0.29, p is less than 0.005) SATS scores. Heterogeneity was noted in Affect (I² = 30.998%) and Difficulty (I² = 54.248%). The study possessed limitations in the integration of other factors into the meta-analysis, availability of studies, and understanding of meta-analysis. Future Statistics attitudes research should include achievement measurements for more investigation into this relationship. This research will hopefully lead to more support in both quantitative research design and statistical training for postgraduate Psychology students at Rhodes University.
- Full Text:
A mixed methods investigation of students’ attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods: a focus on postgraduate psychology students at a South African university
- Authors: Ngantweni, Xolelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- South Africa , Statistics , Psychology -- Research , College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Psychology -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140490 , vital:37894
- Description: Many University programs offer a course in either basic or intermediate statistics as part of the degree requirements prior to graduation (McGrath, Ferns, Greiner, Wanamaker and Brown, 2015). These statistics or quantitative research methods courses are integral in helping students gain vital skills in analysing quantitative data. Research (Schau, Stevens, Dauphinee, and Del Vecchio, 1995) does however indicate that most students have a perfunctory disposition towards these courses. My study sought to particularly investigate attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods amongst a sample of 61 postgraduate Psychology students at Rhodes University undertaking a ‘Quantitative Research Methods’ course as part of their degree offering. A mixed methods approach was used to investigate students’ attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods. The Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics (SATS-36) (Schau, 2003) captured student’s attitudes towards statistics using a Likert Scale instrument; whereas detailed qualitative interviews accentuated findings from the SATS-36. Key quantitative findings from the SATS-36 including students’ perceptions of statistics being a difficult course as well as students having a low affect towards statistics are detailed. Key qualitative findings related to why students experience statistics anxiety such as students’ (1) fear of failing statistics, (2) The late introduction of statistics in the Psychology curriculum, and (3) The role of educator/s in alleviating or promoting feelings of statistics anxiety are noted. The significance of these findings as well as the contributions of the study to the teaching and learning of statistics and quantitative research methods courses at Rhodes University are explored, in light of other studies on the topic of statistics anxiety and attitudes towards statistics/ quantitative research methods.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngantweni, Xolelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- South Africa , Statistics , Psychology -- Research , College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Psychology -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140490 , vital:37894
- Description: Many University programs offer a course in either basic or intermediate statistics as part of the degree requirements prior to graduation (McGrath, Ferns, Greiner, Wanamaker and Brown, 2015). These statistics or quantitative research methods courses are integral in helping students gain vital skills in analysing quantitative data. Research (Schau, Stevens, Dauphinee, and Del Vecchio, 1995) does however indicate that most students have a perfunctory disposition towards these courses. My study sought to particularly investigate attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods amongst a sample of 61 postgraduate Psychology students at Rhodes University undertaking a ‘Quantitative Research Methods’ course as part of their degree offering. A mixed methods approach was used to investigate students’ attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods. The Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics (SATS-36) (Schau, 2003) captured student’s attitudes towards statistics using a Likert Scale instrument; whereas detailed qualitative interviews accentuated findings from the SATS-36. Key quantitative findings from the SATS-36 including students’ perceptions of statistics being a difficult course as well as students having a low affect towards statistics are detailed. Key qualitative findings related to why students experience statistics anxiety such as students’ (1) fear of failing statistics, (2) The late introduction of statistics in the Psychology curriculum, and (3) The role of educator/s in alleviating or promoting feelings of statistics anxiety are noted. The significance of these findings as well as the contributions of the study to the teaching and learning of statistics and quantitative research methods courses at Rhodes University are explored, in light of other studies on the topic of statistics anxiety and attitudes towards statistics/ quantitative research methods.
- Full Text:
Meta-analysis of the Cognitive Rehabilitation of patients living with HIV/AIDS: The case for Executive Functions
- Authors: Joka, Nicole
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- South Africa , Executive functions (Neuropsychology) , Neuroplasticity , Antiretroviral agents , HIV-positive persons -- Care , HIV infections -- Treatment , Cognition disorders -- Patients -- Rehabilitation , Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) , Systematic review
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BSocSc(Honours)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185620 , vital:44404
- Description: In recent years, research has shown that cognitive decline occurs in patients living with HIV and studies have brought into light the different treatment interventions are available to prevent the rapid decline of cognitive functioning in these individuals. Thus, it is crucial that the effect that treatment interventions on the executive function of HIV patients is studied. One such intervention is brain plasticity. Through understanding the model of brain plasticity following traumatic brain injury, and applying cognitive rehabilitation as a method of treatment, researchers believe that it is possible to ameliorate the cognitive deficits. In the present times, access to pharmaceutical treatments like antiretroviral treatment has been more accessible to persons living with HIV, however studies continue to show that as the virus progresses into its severe stages, even with the consistent use of antiretroviral treatment, cognitive domains such the executive function domain continue to become compromised. This means that the individual living with HIV will begin to show deficits in attention levels, memory and important thinking abilities as the virus spreads throughout the central nervous system. This study provides a meta-analysis wherein an array of scholarly articles have been used to measure the efficacy that the model of brain plasticity and the application of cognitive rehabilitation therapy has on the executive function of HIV patients. The findings show improvement in the attention span, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, inhibition, and working memory levels of patients living with HIV after the implementation of cognitive rehabilitation intervention.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joka, Nicole
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- South Africa , Executive functions (Neuropsychology) , Neuroplasticity , Antiretroviral agents , HIV-positive persons -- Care , HIV infections -- Treatment , Cognition disorders -- Patients -- Rehabilitation , Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) , Systematic review
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BSocSc(Honours)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185620 , vital:44404
- Description: In recent years, research has shown that cognitive decline occurs in patients living with HIV and studies have brought into light the different treatment interventions are available to prevent the rapid decline of cognitive functioning in these individuals. Thus, it is crucial that the effect that treatment interventions on the executive function of HIV patients is studied. One such intervention is brain plasticity. Through understanding the model of brain plasticity following traumatic brain injury, and applying cognitive rehabilitation as a method of treatment, researchers believe that it is possible to ameliorate the cognitive deficits. In the present times, access to pharmaceutical treatments like antiretroviral treatment has been more accessible to persons living with HIV, however studies continue to show that as the virus progresses into its severe stages, even with the consistent use of antiretroviral treatment, cognitive domains such the executive function domain continue to become compromised. This means that the individual living with HIV will begin to show deficits in attention levels, memory and important thinking abilities as the virus spreads throughout the central nervous system. This study provides a meta-analysis wherein an array of scholarly articles have been used to measure the efficacy that the model of brain plasticity and the application of cognitive rehabilitation therapy has on the executive function of HIV patients. The findings show improvement in the attention span, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, inhibition, and working memory levels of patients living with HIV after the implementation of cognitive rehabilitation intervention.
- Full Text:
Deriving norms for learners in the disadvantaged schools of the peri-urban areas of the Eastern Cape: the case of the Vassiliou Mathematics Proficiency Test (VASSI)
- Masango, Siphesihle Polkadot
- Authors: Masango, Siphesihle Polkadot
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: VASSI Mathematics Proficiency Test , Mathematical ability -- Testing -- South Africa , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/49929 , vital:25943
- Description: This study builds on South African cross-cultural research which highlights the need for careful stratification of normative samples for quality of education and geographical location. The aim of the present study was to produce an expanded set of preliminary norms for learners in the disadvantaged schools of the peri-urban areas of the Eastern Cape, Grahamstown, on the Vassiliou Mathematics Foundation Phase Test (VASSI) and Vassiliou Mathematics Proficiency Test (VASSI), respectively. The test was administered to Grade 1-6 learners in four different schools all within Joza location, Grahamstown. For the learners’ convenience the tests were translated into isiXhosa, the translations were provided together with the original English questions. Archival data collected by honours students was also incorporated in this study. The total number of participants was N=724 which was comprised of 147 grade 1s, 123 grade 2s, 117 grade 3s, 128 grade 4s, 113 grade 5s and 96 grade 6s. Norm-referenced criterion was used in analysing the data. The results of this study are in accordance with those purporting the low performance of disadvantaged learners on the school subject, mathematics. Stanines for the various grades (Grade 1 to 6) were calculated and are presented in the study. This study has demonstrated that although gender, language and other ethnic variables have an impact on mathematics performance, quality of education and socioeconomic status have a significant effect. Further research is needed on the effect of quality of education and socioeconomic status on learners in disadvantaged schools on this test in particular.
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- Authors: Masango, Siphesihle Polkadot
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: VASSI Mathematics Proficiency Test , Mathematical ability -- Testing -- South Africa , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/49929 , vital:25943
- Description: This study builds on South African cross-cultural research which highlights the need for careful stratification of normative samples for quality of education and geographical location. The aim of the present study was to produce an expanded set of preliminary norms for learners in the disadvantaged schools of the peri-urban areas of the Eastern Cape, Grahamstown, on the Vassiliou Mathematics Foundation Phase Test (VASSI) and Vassiliou Mathematics Proficiency Test (VASSI), respectively. The test was administered to Grade 1-6 learners in four different schools all within Joza location, Grahamstown. For the learners’ convenience the tests were translated into isiXhosa, the translations were provided together with the original English questions. Archival data collected by honours students was also incorporated in this study. The total number of participants was N=724 which was comprised of 147 grade 1s, 123 grade 2s, 117 grade 3s, 128 grade 4s, 113 grade 5s and 96 grade 6s. Norm-referenced criterion was used in analysing the data. The results of this study are in accordance with those purporting the low performance of disadvantaged learners on the school subject, mathematics. Stanines for the various grades (Grade 1 to 6) were calculated and are presented in the study. This study has demonstrated that although gender, language and other ethnic variables have an impact on mathematics performance, quality of education and socioeconomic status have a significant effect. Further research is needed on the effect of quality of education and socioeconomic status on learners in disadvantaged schools on this test in particular.
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Understanding sexual concurrency and HIV/AIDS: implicit and explicit attitudes in a South African student population
- Authors: Malataliana, Maleeto Lucy
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3335 , vital:20484
- Description: There are more people infected with HIV in South Africa, than in any other country in the world. Studies indicate a plausible relationship between concurrently organised sexual partnership and the spread of STIs, with concurrency being accountable for as much as 74% of HIV infections in South Africa. Understanding sexual concurrency is therefore of vital importance, especially in the South African perspective. It has, however, become increasingly unreliable to rely solely on explicit self-measures to study sexual concurrency, and research has suggested that implicit cognition is a reliable alternative to understanding sexual behaviour and attitudes towards sexuality, which cannot be directly measured by explicit means. The purpose of this study was to understand sexual concurrency among a population of university students by researching their implicit and explicit attitudes towards sexual concurrency; and thereby to aid in understanding sexual concurrency in relation to the spread of HIV. A quantitative research methodology was used to analyse results from explicit measures of sexual concurrency in the form of a questionnaire, and implicit measures of sexual concurrency in the form of the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Although no correlation existed between implicit and explicit measures attitudes towards sexual concurrency, it was, however, observed that sexual concurrency has and is being broadly practiced, and that age is a key determinant for sexual concurrency.
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- Authors: Malataliana, Maleeto Lucy
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3335 , vital:20484
- Description: There are more people infected with HIV in South Africa, than in any other country in the world. Studies indicate a plausible relationship between concurrently organised sexual partnership and the spread of STIs, with concurrency being accountable for as much as 74% of HIV infections in South Africa. Understanding sexual concurrency is therefore of vital importance, especially in the South African perspective. It has, however, become increasingly unreliable to rely solely on explicit self-measures to study sexual concurrency, and research has suggested that implicit cognition is a reliable alternative to understanding sexual behaviour and attitudes towards sexuality, which cannot be directly measured by explicit means. The purpose of this study was to understand sexual concurrency among a population of university students by researching their implicit and explicit attitudes towards sexual concurrency; and thereby to aid in understanding sexual concurrency in relation to the spread of HIV. A quantitative research methodology was used to analyse results from explicit measures of sexual concurrency in the form of a questionnaire, and implicit measures of sexual concurrency in the form of the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Although no correlation existed between implicit and explicit measures attitudes towards sexual concurrency, it was, however, observed that sexual concurrency has and is being broadly practiced, and that age is a key determinant for sexual concurrency.
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The cognitive rehabilitation of a sample of children living with HIV : a specific focus on the cognitive rehabilitation of sustained attention
- Authors: Basterfield, Candice
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: HIV-positive children -- Rehabilitation , Antiretroviral agents , HIV (Viruses) -- Side effects , Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation , Cognition disorders -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017881
- Description: Pharmacological interventions to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with antiretrovirals (ARVs), have dramatically improved the survival rates of HIV positive children maturing into adulthood. However, HIV-associated neurocognitive decline still persists in the era of ARVs. Within the framework of brain plasticity, a number of researchers have begun to assess the feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation therapy as a complement to ARVs to reverse neurocognitive decline as a result of HIV (e.g., Becker et al., 2012). Only one study has been conducted in South Africa, by Zondo & Mulder (2014), assessing the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in a paediatric sample. The current research builds on the above mentioned study by implementing an experimental approach to examine the effect of cognitive rehabilitation in a sample of both HIV positive and HIV negative children. Five HIV positive and six HIV negative children were assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent two months of cognitive rehabilitation therapy remediating sustained attention, whereas the control group took part in placebo activities. Sustained attention measures were taken before and after the intervention training sessions, using a sustained attention subtest from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH). A Mann Whitney U Test revealed that the experimental group (Mdn=38.50) did not differ significantly from the control group (Mdn = 37.00) after the cognitive rehabilitation intervention, U=12.00, z= -.55, p= .66, r= -.17. But a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test found that there was a significant improvement from pretest scores (Mdn=31.00) to posttest scores (Mdn=38.00) following the rehabilitation for HIV positive participants in the sample, T=15.00, z = -2.02, p= .04, r= -.90. This raises the possibility that cognitive rehabilitation could be used as a low cost intervention in underdeveloped contexts
- Full Text:
- Authors: Basterfield, Candice
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: HIV-positive children -- Rehabilitation , Antiretroviral agents , HIV (Viruses) -- Side effects , Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation , Cognition disorders -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017881
- Description: Pharmacological interventions to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with antiretrovirals (ARVs), have dramatically improved the survival rates of HIV positive children maturing into adulthood. However, HIV-associated neurocognitive decline still persists in the era of ARVs. Within the framework of brain plasticity, a number of researchers have begun to assess the feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation therapy as a complement to ARVs to reverse neurocognitive decline as a result of HIV (e.g., Becker et al., 2012). Only one study has been conducted in South Africa, by Zondo & Mulder (2014), assessing the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in a paediatric sample. The current research builds on the above mentioned study by implementing an experimental approach to examine the effect of cognitive rehabilitation in a sample of both HIV positive and HIV negative children. Five HIV positive and six HIV negative children were assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent two months of cognitive rehabilitation therapy remediating sustained attention, whereas the control group took part in placebo activities. Sustained attention measures were taken before and after the intervention training sessions, using a sustained attention subtest from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH). A Mann Whitney U Test revealed that the experimental group (Mdn=38.50) did not differ significantly from the control group (Mdn = 37.00) after the cognitive rehabilitation intervention, U=12.00, z= -.55, p= .66, r= -.17. But a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test found that there was a significant improvement from pretest scores (Mdn=31.00) to posttest scores (Mdn=38.00) following the rehabilitation for HIV positive participants in the sample, T=15.00, z = -2.02, p= .04, r= -.90. This raises the possibility that cognitive rehabilitation could be used as a low cost intervention in underdeveloped contexts
- Full Text:
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