Barrier-free tourism in the natural environment for people with physical disabilities with specific reference to Eastern Cape facilities
- Authors: Chapman, Sally Lynn
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006384 , People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Social workers are becoming increasingly involved in community projects, thus allowing them to reach more people. One of these areas involves the sensitising of society in the removal of barriers which prevent people with disabilities from living balanced and integrated lives. One aspect requiring particular attention is the natural environment which, until recently, has been neglected. In order to increase the knowledge of the researcher in the field of environmental accessibility, twenty six people with physical disabilities were interviewed to ascertain which factors they saw as important and relevant when assessing the natural environment. Their ideas were incorporated into practical assessments of a game reserve and a possible hiking trail for people with disabilities. As it is of vital importance to include the consumers in studies of this nature, selected people with varying abilities and disabilities assisted in these "hands on" studies. Qualitative interviews were also conducted on the owners of facilities who were in the process of making their facilities accessible. This allowed the researcher and selected people with disabilities to evaluate positive and negative experiences, thus adding to their knowledge base and building capacity for people with disabilities
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chapman, Sally Lynn
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006384 , People with disabilities -- Travel -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Services for -- South Africa , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trails -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Social workers are becoming increasingly involved in community projects, thus allowing them to reach more people. One of these areas involves the sensitising of society in the removal of barriers which prevent people with disabilities from living balanced and integrated lives. One aspect requiring particular attention is the natural environment which, until recently, has been neglected. In order to increase the knowledge of the researcher in the field of environmental accessibility, twenty six people with physical disabilities were interviewed to ascertain which factors they saw as important and relevant when assessing the natural environment. Their ideas were incorporated into practical assessments of a game reserve and a possible hiking trail for people with disabilities. As it is of vital importance to include the consumers in studies of this nature, selected people with varying abilities and disabilities assisted in these "hands on" studies. Qualitative interviews were also conducted on the owners of facilities who were in the process of making their facilities accessible. This allowed the researcher and selected people with disabilities to evaluate positive and negative experiences, thus adding to their knowledge base and building capacity for people with disabilities
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English communication in the hospitality industry: the employees' perspective
- Authors: Hobson, Josephine Mary
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002501 , Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Description: The purpose of this research project was to explore the English communicative competency of management and supervisory level employees within the South Mrican hospitality industry. The Pro lit English Written Assessment, a competency-based assessment tool, was used to establish a relatively objective measure of the English communicative competency of nineteen managers and supervisors. Thereafter thirteen of these respondents were interviewed to determine their perceptions of their English communicative competency and the impact thereof on their work situation, as well as their perceptions of their learning needs and recommendations for intervention. The researcher selected a multi-method approach to the investigation and sought both quantitative and qualitative data. The assessment revealed that the English reading and writing ability of the respondents is distinctly lower than their recorded education level and inadequate in relation to the tasks they are expected to perform at work. The interviews indicated that the respondents are not aware of their lack of English communicative competency or the implications thereof. However, the respondents expressed important insights into the factors that should be taken into account when planning an educational intervention III an organization. These included the need to incorporate English second language learning principles, to treat the learner as an individual, to involve the learner in the decision-making process, to consider the practical concerns of the learner and to ensure that the programme content is appropriate. Recommendations for human resource practices and research in the hospitality industry are presented.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hobson, Josephine Mary
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002501 , Hospitality industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers
- Description: The purpose of this research project was to explore the English communicative competency of management and supervisory level employees within the South Mrican hospitality industry. The Pro lit English Written Assessment, a competency-based assessment tool, was used to establish a relatively objective measure of the English communicative competency of nineteen managers and supervisors. Thereafter thirteen of these respondents were interviewed to determine their perceptions of their English communicative competency and the impact thereof on their work situation, as well as their perceptions of their learning needs and recommendations for intervention. The researcher selected a multi-method approach to the investigation and sought both quantitative and qualitative data. The assessment revealed that the English reading and writing ability of the respondents is distinctly lower than their recorded education level and inadequate in relation to the tasks they are expected to perform at work. The interviews indicated that the respondents are not aware of their lack of English communicative competency or the implications thereof. However, the respondents expressed important insights into the factors that should be taken into account when planning an educational intervention III an organization. These included the need to incorporate English second language learning principles, to treat the learner as an individual, to involve the learner in the decision-making process, to consider the practical concerns of the learner and to ensure that the programme content is appropriate. Recommendations for human resource practices and research in the hospitality industry are presented.
- Full Text:
Testing Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals : a multiple case study
- Authors: Hajayiannis, Helen
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Psychology, Pathological Eating disorders -- Case studies Guidano, V F Eating disorders -- Etiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008557
- Description: This thesis sets out to critically examine Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals . The literature review highlights the diverse etiological approaches that have been taken in understanding eating disorders. Guidano's model is presented as an alternative to traditional approaches . It is a developmental, unitary model of psychopathology, conceptualised within a systems/process-oriented approach to organised complexity. Within a qualitative framework, case study methodology is utilised to test the viability and limitations of Guidano's model. Four in-depth case histories are presented which offer appropriate material for the testing of the model. The data is analysed using the reading guide method and presented in terms of the four features of Guidano's model: (1) dysfunctional patterns of attachment; (2) sense of self; (3) major themes on systemic coherence; (4) common coping strategies. The findings of the research support Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals. The findings are: (1) attachment styles are ambiguous, "intrusive, and enmeshed; participants experience a disappointment in the preferential attachment relationship; (2) that participants' sense of self is blurred and wavering; (3) the major theme on systemic coherence is the oscillation between seeking and avoiding intimacy; (4) common coping strategies are: the seeking of supportive intimacy with minimal self-exposure; withdrawal into the self; perfectionism; the development of an eating disorder; continuous thoughts about food, eating, and weight which prevents participants from becoming aware of the real issues confronting them. An evaluation of Guidano's model in terms of its specific contribution to knowledge and research on the role of father in child and adolescent psychopathology, as well as how father effects evidence in eating disorders, demonstrates the model's value as an explanatory tool and raises implications for future treatment, theory, and research practices of eating-disordered individuals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hajayiannis, Helen
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Psychology, Pathological Eating disorders -- Case studies Guidano, V F Eating disorders -- Etiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008557
- Description: This thesis sets out to critically examine Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals . The literature review highlights the diverse etiological approaches that have been taken in understanding eating disorders. Guidano's model is presented as an alternative to traditional approaches . It is a developmental, unitary model of psychopathology, conceptualised within a systems/process-oriented approach to organised complexity. Within a qualitative framework, case study methodology is utilised to test the viability and limitations of Guidano's model. Four in-depth case histories are presented which offer appropriate material for the testing of the model. The data is analysed using the reading guide method and presented in terms of the four features of Guidano's model: (1) dysfunctional patterns of attachment; (2) sense of self; (3) major themes on systemic coherence; (4) common coping strategies. The findings of the research support Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals. The findings are: (1) attachment styles are ambiguous, "intrusive, and enmeshed; participants experience a disappointment in the preferential attachment relationship; (2) that participants' sense of self is blurred and wavering; (3) the major theme on systemic coherence is the oscillation between seeking and avoiding intimacy; (4) common coping strategies are: the seeking of supportive intimacy with minimal self-exposure; withdrawal into the self; perfectionism; the development of an eating disorder; continuous thoughts about food, eating, and weight which prevents participants from becoming aware of the real issues confronting them. An evaluation of Guidano's model in terms of its specific contribution to knowledge and research on the role of father in child and adolescent psychopathology, as well as how father effects evidence in eating disorders, demonstrates the model's value as an explanatory tool and raises implications for future treatment, theory, and research practices of eating-disordered individuals.
- Full Text:
The development of academic literacy in the first-year psychology course at Rhodes University: an assessment of the tutorial programme
- Authors: Amos, Trevor Lawrence
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- South Africa , College student development programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002432 , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- South Africa , College student development programs -- South Africa
- Description: This research is concerned with the cognitive development of students in higher education. Specifically, it is recognised that the demands facing students are different to those previously encountered in secondary education. These demands include being able to master what Strohm Kitchener (1983) calls ill-structured problems and learning the groundrules of their academic disciplines. This is termed academic literacy. Current thought in academic development proposes that students need to be shown how to mobilise their cognitive processes to meet these demands. It is argued that this is best accomplished when such activities are integrated into the discipline itself as opposed to being an add-on process. Taking into account the social and dialectical nature of learning (Vygotsky, 1978), academic development and academic literacy are seen to best occur within the tutorial system. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the 1997 first-year Psychology tutorial programme at Rhodes University, Grahamstown to assess how academic literacy was being developed. A qualitative research approach was followed, guided by the ten stage evaluation model of education programmes (Jacobs, 1996) and an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product approach to evaluation (Parlett and Hamilton cited in Calder, 1995, p.25). Using indepth interviews, data was gathered from eight first year students, seven staff members and one programme co-ordinator. Focus groups were used to gather data from nine tutors. Further data collection techniques included observation of tutor briefing sessions and tutorials as well as documentary research. Data was analysed using qualitative data analysis techniques (Coffey & Atkinson, 1996). The Psychology Department at Rhodes University aims to integrate the development of academic literacy into mainstream teaching at the first year level through its tutorial programme. The Department has conceptualised its understanding of academic development as the development of academic, vocational and professional literacy which is rather unique. Academic literacy is defined and conceptualised further in a list of pre-determined skills (reading, writing and general skills) to be developed incrementally. This conceptualisation of academic literacy tends to neglect to include the mobilisation of relevant cognitive processes explicitly and the implementation tends to remain implicit. A lack of tactical strategies to implement academic development is evidence of the difficulty in moving from the philosophical level of academic development to the practical level. The programme is perceived as disorganised and lacking in a co-ordinated or incremental development of the predetermined skills.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Amos, Trevor Lawrence
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- South Africa , College student development programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002432 , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- South Africa , College student development programs -- South Africa
- Description: This research is concerned with the cognitive development of students in higher education. Specifically, it is recognised that the demands facing students are different to those previously encountered in secondary education. These demands include being able to master what Strohm Kitchener (1983) calls ill-structured problems and learning the groundrules of their academic disciplines. This is termed academic literacy. Current thought in academic development proposes that students need to be shown how to mobilise their cognitive processes to meet these demands. It is argued that this is best accomplished when such activities are integrated into the discipline itself as opposed to being an add-on process. Taking into account the social and dialectical nature of learning (Vygotsky, 1978), academic development and academic literacy are seen to best occur within the tutorial system. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the 1997 first-year Psychology tutorial programme at Rhodes University, Grahamstown to assess how academic literacy was being developed. A qualitative research approach was followed, guided by the ten stage evaluation model of education programmes (Jacobs, 1996) and an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product approach to evaluation (Parlett and Hamilton cited in Calder, 1995, p.25). Using indepth interviews, data was gathered from eight first year students, seven staff members and one programme co-ordinator. Focus groups were used to gather data from nine tutors. Further data collection techniques included observation of tutor briefing sessions and tutorials as well as documentary research. Data was analysed using qualitative data analysis techniques (Coffey & Atkinson, 1996). The Psychology Department at Rhodes University aims to integrate the development of academic literacy into mainstream teaching at the first year level through its tutorial programme. The Department has conceptualised its understanding of academic development as the development of academic, vocational and professional literacy which is rather unique. Academic literacy is defined and conceptualised further in a list of pre-determined skills (reading, writing and general skills) to be developed incrementally. This conceptualisation of academic literacy tends to neglect to include the mobilisation of relevant cognitive processes explicitly and the implementation tends to remain implicit. A lack of tactical strategies to implement academic development is evidence of the difficulty in moving from the philosophical level of academic development to the practical level. The programme is perceived as disorganised and lacking in a co-ordinated or incremental development of the predetermined skills.
- Full Text:
Women's experience of abortion : a qualitative study
- Authors: Taylor, Gaye Lesley
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006522 , Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Description: Abortion is an emotive topic that always raises strong feelings. The purpose of this study, however, is not to focus on the religious, political or moral questions surrounding abortion. Abortion is a reality and in South Africa, where it has only recently become legal, there is a need to have an understanding of the effects on women in order to provide counselling services. There is also a need to provide services for the many women who have had illegal terminations in the past. This study reviewed the most recent literature on the subject and the researcher takes the view that although the scientific literature states there is little long term psychological effect of abortion, the non-positivist literature which records women's experiences tells another story. Some of the problems with the scientific literature is that psychological effects are not defined and there may be political motivation for the study, ie. an attempt is made to prove that the health costs are not high for abortion because there is little long term effect. The researcher, however, feels this does a disservice to women who have had abortions because there is a failure to provide counselling services. Some members of the feminist movement also deserve criticism because in their haste to give women their rights they fail to allow a woman to thoroughly explore her options beforehand and to provide support services afterwards. The researcher, however, also identified a new theme in the literature which has been called a maturing of the feminist viewpoint that along with the right to abortion, women also have a right to the mixed feelings that go with making, what is for many, a very painful decision. There is a recognition that abortion is about loss and thus there is a corresponding need to acknowledge women's need to mourn and to provide services. The study does not include the experience of women who seek abortions for reasons of poverty. It also excludes the experience of women who have abortions as a result of rape, incest or harm to the foetus. It is a qualitative study and a non-probability sampling technique which comprised snowball and purposive methods was used to identify respondents. In-depth semi-structured interviews using a broad theme of questions were conducted with five respondents. The women were asked to tell the stories of their abortions: their and their partner's feelings before and after, how they decided and the actual experience. They were also asked to identify counselling requirements, what they found helpful and what would have helped. The literature and the findings support the researcher's view that women who find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy need an opportunity to objectively consider all their options, namely keeping the baby, adoption or abortion, and to have an objective counsellor assist them in vigorously considering these. If they decide on a termination they need to be given as much information as possible about the procedure and about how they are likely to feel. Afterwards counselling should be made available and women should be encouraged to use the service. They need to be assisted to explore all ways of coming to terms with it such as through dream work, dialogueing with the unborn child through a letter and for those with religious beliefs seeking absolution from the church. There is a great need for a Christian and other religious ministry in this regard. Self-help therapies such as support groups can also be helpful
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taylor, Gaye Lesley
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006522 , Abortion , Abortion -- South Africa , Women -- Counseling of
- Description: Abortion is an emotive topic that always raises strong feelings. The purpose of this study, however, is not to focus on the religious, political or moral questions surrounding abortion. Abortion is a reality and in South Africa, where it has only recently become legal, there is a need to have an understanding of the effects on women in order to provide counselling services. There is also a need to provide services for the many women who have had illegal terminations in the past. This study reviewed the most recent literature on the subject and the researcher takes the view that although the scientific literature states there is little long term psychological effect of abortion, the non-positivist literature which records women's experiences tells another story. Some of the problems with the scientific literature is that psychological effects are not defined and there may be political motivation for the study, ie. an attempt is made to prove that the health costs are not high for abortion because there is little long term effect. The researcher, however, feels this does a disservice to women who have had abortions because there is a failure to provide counselling services. Some members of the feminist movement also deserve criticism because in their haste to give women their rights they fail to allow a woman to thoroughly explore her options beforehand and to provide support services afterwards. The researcher, however, also identified a new theme in the literature which has been called a maturing of the feminist viewpoint that along with the right to abortion, women also have a right to the mixed feelings that go with making, what is for many, a very painful decision. There is a recognition that abortion is about loss and thus there is a corresponding need to acknowledge women's need to mourn and to provide services. The study does not include the experience of women who seek abortions for reasons of poverty. It also excludes the experience of women who have abortions as a result of rape, incest or harm to the foetus. It is a qualitative study and a non-probability sampling technique which comprised snowball and purposive methods was used to identify respondents. In-depth semi-structured interviews using a broad theme of questions were conducted with five respondents. The women were asked to tell the stories of their abortions: their and their partner's feelings before and after, how they decided and the actual experience. They were also asked to identify counselling requirements, what they found helpful and what would have helped. The literature and the findings support the researcher's view that women who find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy need an opportunity to objectively consider all their options, namely keeping the baby, adoption or abortion, and to have an objective counsellor assist them in vigorously considering these. If they decide on a termination they need to be given as much information as possible about the procedure and about how they are likely to feel. Afterwards counselling should be made available and women should be encouraged to use the service. They need to be assisted to explore all ways of coming to terms with it such as through dream work, dialogueing with the unborn child through a letter and for those with religious beliefs seeking absolution from the church. There is a great need for a Christian and other religious ministry in this regard. Self-help therapies such as support groups can also be helpful
- Full Text:
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