Research Outputs (Psychology)
https://hdl.handle.net/10500/21537
2024-03-29T14:30:10ZRemaining relevant: Reflections on critical incidents in psychological test development in South Africa.
https://hdl.handle.net/10500/30924
Remaining relevant: Reflections on critical incidents in psychological test development in South Africa.
Van Eeden, René
In this presentation, critical incidents in the South African context that affected test development policies and practices are considered. Anecdotes and personal perspectives illustrate the response to these incidents and I highlight the implications thereof for the test development domain. The presentation is structured in terms of three topics, namely infrastructure and ideology, the challenge of regulation and training as a shared responsibility, and methodological developments and conceptual concerns. The emphasis is on relevance in the local context – an issue that continues to shape this domain.
Professor Moche, the Vice-principal for Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support, Professor Phillips, the Executive Dean of the College of Human Sciences, Prof Mojapelo-Batka, the Chair of Department for Psychology and also the respondent tonight, colleagues, family and friends – good evening
2018-11-01T00:00:00ZThe Role of Organized Psychology in inspiring hope and preventing hate victimization: Recommendations from a South African Hate and bias monitoring initiative
https://hdl.handle.net/10500/30707
The Role of Organized Psychology in inspiring hope and preventing hate victimization: Recommendations from a South African Hate and bias monitoring initiative
Van Wyk, Hanlie; Nel, Juan A; Van Wyk, Hanlie
Psychology must have as its primary focus the well-being of humans, communities, and societies and cannot be detached from – or even neutral about – our social or political systems. For those who are impacted by hate, the focus on their well-being has never mattered more. In South Africa, which is the focal point of our research, and the world, hate victimization targeting people based on identity factors like race, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation is becoming more prevalent. Given the menacing intensification of hate, how is psychology as a profession, science, and discipline keeping the pulse of society at large? The South African Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG) conducted a five-year longitudinal research study to assess the impact and nature of hate in South Africa. It is also the first study of this nature conducted in Africa. The Psychological Society of South Africa served as research lead for the HCWG, a multi-sectoral network of civil society organizations, utilizing the customized HCWG Monitoring Form as a research instrument. A total of N = 945 cases were quantitatively analyzed providing descriptive information. Key results inform the role of scientific and professional organizations representing psychology in preventing hate. Not only is there the need for policy and legislative changes to effectively address hate victimization, but most importantly the significance of attending to the impact of hate, including hopelessness, distrust, and dignity lost, is indicated. Based on the findings, recommendations underscore the ways in which global and nationally representative psychological associations may contribute to improved measures of prevention, add their voice to disrupting intolerance and condemn the ubiquitous rhetoric of bigotry that elicits hate-based victimization. And, in doing so, inspire hope for humanity.
2023-04-26T00:00:00ZAdvancing social justice: critical reflections on the hate crime and bias monitoring form
https://hdl.handle.net/10500/30182
Advancing social justice: critical reflections on the hate crime and bias monitoring form
Nel, Juan A; Venter, Zindi; Stratford, Vanessa
In 2010, the South African Hate Crimes Working Group initiated a project to monitor hate incidents. This longitudinal research project was completed in 2017. The project had brought together researchers, activists and service providers. The resultant monitoring form (‘The Hate Crime and Bias Monitoring Form') was, internationally, one of the first of its kind and remains the only such tool in Africa. The Hate Crimes Working Group is a multi-sectoral network of civil society organisations serving the interests of a cross-section of marginalised groups, including those targeted based on their nationality; religion; status as a sex worker; and sexual orientation; gender identity; and/or expression. Bringing together under one umbrella such divergent, and sometimes opposing, groups and persons at risk of becoming victims of prejudice-motivated attacks is a definite strength of this unique structure. However, designing a monitoring form in a manner that enables universal usage for recording hate- and bias-motivated incidents across various vulnerable sectors, significantly added to the complexity of the endeavour. The study that informed this article critically reflected on the design and implementation phases of the original project, applying a qualitative research approach using face-to-face interviews and an online survey, both thematically analysed using the ATLAS.ti qualitative research data/text analysis tool. Findings suggest that the specific challenges that confronted the project, such as: difficulties reaching an agreement on terminologies appropriate to such broad constituencies, and that certain limitations were present. Yet, the Hate Crimes Working Group Monitoring Form Project successfully managed to provide a baseline for the nature and impact of hate incidents in South Africa. Findings furthermore serve to create a more coherent picture to inform legislative and policy responses towards minimising secondary victimisation in policing and healthcare, and the advancement of social justice for all. It is hoped the reach and impact of the project will facilitate future benefits for often neglected victims of hate incidents in South Africa and elsewhere.
2022-12-19T00:00:00ZThe Role of Organized Psychology in Inspiring Hope and Preventing Hate Victimization: Recommendations from a South African Hate and Bias Monitoring Initiative
https://hdl.handle.net/10500/30142
The Role of Organized Psychology in Inspiring Hope and Preventing Hate Victimization: Recommendations from a South African Hate and Bias Monitoring Initiative
Van Wyk, Hanlie; Nel, Juan A
Psychology must have as its primary focus the well-being of humans, communities, and societies and cannot be detached from – or even neutral about – our social or political systems. For those who are impacted by hate, the focus on their well-being has never mattered more. In South Africa, which is the focal point of our research, and the world, hate victimization targeting people based on identity factors like race, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation is becoming more prevalent. Given the menacing intensification of hate, how is psychology as a profession, science, and discipline keeping the pulse of society at large? The South African Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG) conducted a five-year longitudinal research study to assess the impact and nature of hate in South Africa. It is also the first study of this nature conducted in Africa. The Psychological Society of South Africa served as research lead for the HCWG, a multi-sectoral network of civil society organizations, utilizing the customized HCWG Monitoring Form as a research instrument. A total of N = 945 cases were quantitatively analyzed providing descriptive information. Key results inform the role of scientific and professional organizations representing psychology in preventing hate. Not only is there the need for policy and legislative changes to effectively address hate victimization, but most importantly the significance of attending to the impact of hate, including hopelessness, distrust, and dignity lost, is indicated. Based on the findings, recommendations underscore the ways in which global and nationally representative psychological associations may contribute to improved measures of prevention, add their voice to disrupting intolerance and condemn the ubiquitous rhetoric of bigotry that elicits hate-based victimization. And, in doing so, inspire hope for humanity.
2023-04-26T00:00:00Z