Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Over the past decades, the use and application of statistical concepts for university students have been a big challenge learned from their previous courses. Aftermath of democracy, South African higher education focused on redressing issues of reparation and social imbalances inherited from Apartheid with the commitment to reconstruct a comprehensive educational quality framework. Growing activities lead to new models emphasised to support students and universities in their attempts to demonstrate evidence of enthusiastic statistics learning, with an acceptable degree of accuracy. This study combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches to assess the knowledge of postgraduate students in applying suitable statistical procedures in higher education (HE). The quantitative data were randomly collected from the postgraduate students (n1=307) while the qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n2=19) from two institutions (University of Cape Town [UCT] and University of the Western Cape [UWC]) in the Western Cape, South Africa. The SPSS V24 statistical package was used for quantitative data analysis and the explorative design was selected as a theoretical framework to guide the investigation, analysis and interpretation of the qualitative findings. UCT model achieved for all combined categories 73% high prediction accuracy. The UWC model revealed similar results, with ask for help, worth of statistics, fear of statistics monitors, affect, cognitive competence, support from significant others, marital status, ethnic groups and type of study as significant predictors with a high prediction accuracy of 75.49%. Additionally, the ethnic groups, marital status, postgraduate programmes, experiences in statistics and effort were significant contributed factors of SELS beliefs while findings of the combined data of UCT and UWC significantly explained the variation observed in SELS beliefs with only 60% model accuracy. Nevertheless, the qualitative data outcomes indicated that the comments of the participants provided a rich understanding of the perceived failure to choose a relevant statistical test. The results further indicated that confusion and frustration characterised the attitude of students during the selection of a suitable statistical test. The original value of this current study is bridging the inequity gap, in terms of statistics learning, and building a substantial input to the achievement of the objectives of UNESCO, the World Education Forum and the White Paper 3, while ultimately, contributing to the sustainable development of learning statistics at universities in the Western Cape, South Africa. By logical extrapolation, this current study proffers significant insights to the rest of the universities in Africa, and beyond.

Magister Scientiae (Occupational Therapy) - MSc(OT) / Tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB have been identified as one of the largest health problems in the world, and notably recognized as a big issue in democratic South Africa. Socio-demographic factors such as poverty and unemployment were identified to be major contributing factors to the epidemic. Individuals with TB reportedly have poor levels of occupational self-efficacy and found it challenging to return to work after prolonged hospitalization. The Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE) has been used effectively to assist individuals with traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to return to work. Adaptation of the MOOSE was recommended for application with other syndromes associated with long hospitalization and absence from work. The aim of the study was to adapt the MOOSE for clients living with tuberculosis and to aid them in returning to work. The study was conducted through exploratory research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten purposively selected key informants from private and public health facilities in the Western Cape. The data was analysed through thematic analysis from which six themes emerged. Themes One, Two and Six describe the barriers experienced by the participants when returning to work following their diagnosis of PTB or MDR-TB. Theme Three, Four and Five discussed the factors that facilitate the resumption of the worker role for the PTB and MDR-TB survivors. The findings of this study were used to inform the adaptation of the MOOSE for use with patients living with TB. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC) of UWC. Permission was given by the Department of Health to conduct the study on the clinical platform. All ethics principles were upheld.

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / Divorce and self-efficacy are areas that have been studied quite widely and extensively in recent decades. Going through a divorce has an effect on how parents actually parent their children, which in turn has an effect on the behavioral, emotional, social and academic outcomes of the child. Divorce is considered a significant factor in determining emotional and social problems that children begin to exhibit. However, few research has been conducted on the relationship of divorce with parental self-efficacy and perception of parenting among divorced parents in South Africa. Therefore, this study used qualitative interviews to explore the impact of divorce on parental self-efficacy and perceptions of parenting among ten divorced parents from working to middle class community in Cape Town, South Africa. . The interviews were analyzed by making use of thematic analysis. Results showed that, although participants experienced an initial period of extreme emotional distress and feeling overwhelmed at being a single parent, their confidence in their parenting increased over time as they began to adjust to their new lives and received adequate and regular support. This was accomplished through various techniques and coping mechanisms employed by the participants, and with their social support structure playing a significant role on their parental self-efficacy. This study contributes to the research that has been conducted on parental self-efficacy, specifically, the research that has been conducted in a South African context, which has been generally lacking in terms of previous research.

This longitudinal study examined the relationship between Zimbardo time perspectives (TPs) and career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE). In total, 1,753 young adults participated in the longitudinal study. For the present study, we selected only participants who were students and provided information on TPs, CDMSE, and sociodemographic characteristics (n = 492, M = 22.97 years, SD = 1.32, 82.9% women). The results of multilevel modeling showed that future orientation and present-hedonistic TPs were positively related to CDMSE, whereas present-fatalistic and past-negative TPs were negatively related to CDMSE. These findings indicate that besides the beneficial effect of widely studied future TP, the negative role of past-negative and present-fatalistic TPs should be considered in connection with the career development of emerging adults.

This online study evaluated the efficacy of an e-health avatar/cartoon video with women of color living with type 2 diabetes for a minimum of 2 years. After considerable dropout, the sample size declined from n=149, as 50.3% (n=75, 50.33%) did not complete the survey. After eliminating those who did not watch “all” or “most” of the video, the sample declined further. The final sample (n=64) was 31.3% (n=20) U.S.-born, 100% (n=64) female, 79.7% (n=51) Black, and 12.5% (n=8) Asian—with mean age of 49.28 (Min=22, Max=79, SD=13.24). Using backwards stepwise regression, higher post-video global self-efficacy to perform AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors™ was significantly predicted by: higher level of coping self-efficacy—stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts (B=0.131, p =.001); and higher age (B=0.026, p=.002) with the R2=.331 (Adjusted R2 =.298; 29.8% of the variance was explained). However, less emphasis should be placed on findings from this controversial regression with small sample size. Instead, as this is an online evaluation of a brief online video intervention, what are important are results of pre- versus post-video paired t-test results. These suggested that engagement in the brief online intervention of watching the new video was associated with: a significant increase in type 2 diabetes self-management knowledge for performing the AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors; and, a significant increase for stages of change, self-efficacy, and motivation to perform the 7 diabetes self-management behaviors. Finally, the mixed methods data were important for underscoring the value of the study’s quantitative findings. Some 89.1% (n=57) would recommend the video to other women of color living with type 2 diabetes. Reflecting how the video intervention was a true innovation in integrating a brief form of motivational interviewing with relapse prevention, consider sample emergent themes: video was motivational; and video covered relapse prevention and problem solving, using a menu of options. There is value in ensuring exposure to an e-health avatar video on the AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors™ that also integrates the evidence-based approaches of motivational interviewing and relapse prevention, in order to meet the health education needs of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between identity processing styles and self-efficacy to academic achievement in first-year university students. The sample included one hundred and twenty-seven first-year university students (n=127). Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants on the basis of their status as first-year university students. Participants completed a Demographic Questionnaire, Identity Style Inventory Revised (ISI3) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). The research findings indicated a non-significant relationship between the normative and diffuse-avoidant identity processing styles to academic achievement. However, a significant relationship was found between the informational identity processing style and academic achievement. More specifically, a weak, negative correlation between the informational identity processing style and academic achievement was noted. With regard to General Self-Efficacy, a significant relationship between identity processing styles and General Self-Efficacy was indicated. With reference to previous research studies, the results of the current research study are discussed.

Based on a narrative analysis of data collected on behalf of the Trauma Healing Project in Eugene, Oregon this project considers the responses of 50 digital storytelling workshop participants (26 storytellers and 24 assistants), collected as audio recordings of closing circles, written evaluations, and post-workshop interviews. The data are organized by themes and then ranked according to frequency. For both the storytellers and assistants, the personal experience of participating in a digital storytelling workshop is overwhelmingly positive, with transformative insights being the most common experience. According to their responses, both storytellers and assistants experience increased feelings of self-efficacy, personal growth, and self-confidence directly after completing a digital storytelling workshop.

Thesis advisor: Lillie R. Albert / To explore student mathematical self-efficacy and understanding of graphical data, this dissertation examines students solving real-world problems in their neighborhood, mediated by professional urban planning technologies. As states and schools are working on the alignment of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM), traditional approaches to mathematics education that involves learning specific skills devoid of context will be challenged. For a student to be considered mathematically proficient according to the CCSSM, they must be able to understand mathematical models of real-world data, be proficient problem solvers and use appropriate technologies (tools) to be successful. This has proven to be difficult for all students--specifically for underrepresented students who have fallen behind in many of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This mixed-method design involved survey and case-study research to collect and examine data over a two-year period. During the first year of this study, pre- and post-surveys using Likert-scale questions to all students in the urban planning project (n=62). During the two years, ten high school students' mathematical experiences while investigating urban planning projects in their own neighborhoods were explored through interviews, observations, and an examination of artifacts (eg. presentations and worksheets) in order to develop the case studies. Findings indicate that real-world mathematical tasks that are mediated by professional technologies influence both students' mathematical self-efficacy and understanding. Student self-efficacy was impacted by causing a shift in students beliefs about their own mathematical ability by having students interest increase through solving mathematical tasks that are rooted in meaningful, real-world contexts; students' belief that they can succeed in real-world mathematical tasks; and a shift in students' beliefs regarding the definition of `doing mathematics'. Results in light of mathematical understanding demonstrate that students' increased understanding was influenced by the ability to use multiple representations of data, making connections between the data and the physical site that was studied and the ability to communicate their findings to others. Implications for informal and formal learning, use of GIS in mathematics classrooms, and future research are discussed. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2013. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Teacher Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction.

presente trabalho objetiva analisar a influência da inserção de conteúdos conceituais e procedimentais, em um programa de condicionamento físico, sobre a prática autônoma de exercícios físicos. A metodologia foi o estudo de dois grupos: um realizou apenas exercícios e outro também recebeu orientação conceitual. Foi aplicado um questionário de conhecimentos e realizada autoaferição da frequência cardíaca, pré e pós-intervenção. Utilizou-se ANOVA não paramétrica para medidas repetidas com nível de significância de 5%. Foram realizadas entrevistas através de grupo focal e individualmente. Como resultado, tem-se que os grupos eram semelhantes inicialmente, após o programa foi observado aumento significante no número de acertos no questionário de conhecimentos no grupo intervenção. Conclui-se que o programa se mostrou adequado para a aquisição de conteúdos sobre exercícios físicos. Contudo, é importante que estratégias de adesão e superação de barreiras sejam incluídas em programas que visem à prática de exercícios físicos de maneira autônoma / The autonomous practice of physical exercises requires knowledge related to the topic. Objective: To analyze the influence of the inclusion of conceptual and procedural contents in a fitness program on independent practice of physical exercises. Methods: Two groups were studied: one performed only physical exercises and the other also received conceptual orientation. A knowledge questionnaire was applied and the subjects were asked to measure heart rate before and after the intervention. Nonparametric ANOVA for repeated measures was applied with significance level of 5%. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted. Results: The groups were similar initially. After the program, the intervention group significantly increased the number of correct answers on the questionnaire. Conclusion: The program proved to be suitable for the acquisition of contents related to physical exercises. However, overcoming barriers and adherence strategies have to be considered in programs that aim to promote self-efficacy and regular physical exercise practices

Este trabalho consiste em um estudo sobre a influência do nível de auto-eficácia dos gestores nas ações escolhidas durante o período de gestão de crises de suas respectivas organizações. A empresa selecionada para esta pesquisa foi uma companhia aérea que sobreviveu a quatro grandes crises. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas ações dos gestores a partir do seu nível de auto-eficácia. / This is a case study of crisis management of a Brazilian airline company.