The aim of this research was (1) to provide empirical data of learning potential and English language proficiency for work performance; (2) to establish whether race and gender influence work performance; (3) to evaluate practical utility and to propose recommendations for selection purposes. The Learning Potential Computerised Adaptive Test and the English Literacy Skills Assessment were used as measuring instruments to measure learning potential and English language proficiency respectively. Work performance data were obtained from the normal performance data system of the company where the research was conducted. ANOVA results showed differences between race and gender groupings. A regression analysis confirmed the predictive validity of learning potential and English language proficiency on work performance. The Spearman rho correlation coefficient (p < 0.05) showed a significant positive correlation between the investigated variables / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / M. A. (Industrial & Organisational Psychology)

Continuous change and competition in the working environment necessitate increased efficiency and productivity which require different and enhanced skills and abilities. It is therefore important that the right people with the right skills are selected and employees are developed to enable them to meet the organisational and national demands of the future. This dissertation investigates the relationship between learning potential, English language proficiency and work-related training test results to establish why some production employees perform better on work-related training test results than others. The results indicate that there is no significant relationship between the work-related training test results and either learning potential or English language proficiency. There is, however, a significant correlation between learning potential and English language proficiency. It might be worthwhile exploring the availability and adequacy of assessors as well as the motivational level of the production employees as factors that influence the progress made with work-related training test results. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MCOM (Industrial Psychology)

Bibliography / Thesis (M.A.) -- Stellenbosch University, 1988.

Continuous change and competition in the working environment necessitate increased efficiency and productivity which require different and enhanced skills and abilities. It is therefore important that the right people with the right skills are selected and employees are developed to enable them to meet the organisational and national demands of the future. This dissertation investigates the relationship between learning potential, English language proficiency and work-related training test results to establish why some production employees perform better on work-related training test results than others. The results indicate that there is no significant relationship between the work-related training test results and either learning potential or English language proficiency. There is, however, a significant correlation between learning potential and English language proficiency. It might be worthwhile exploring the availability and adequacy of assessors as well as the motivational level of the production employees as factors that influence the progress made with work-related training test results. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MCOM (Industrial Psychology)

Doctorat en sciences psychologiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / The picturesque landscape of South Africa is woven by the rich threads of diverse languages, cultures and beliefs. Despite the inherent differences of the different groups in this country, a common golden thread lies in the imparting of knowledge, values and beliefs from one generation to the next. This is often done formally, in the school environment, where children learn, develop and grow. The potential of children should be harnessed in an environment that is conducive to maximising the strengths and minimising their weaknesses. One domain is in the psychological testing arena where children’s cognitive abilities are assessed. The Junior South African Individual Scale (JSAIS) as an assessment measure is currently being used by psychologists despite the last norming having taken place in 1984 and the norms not being representative of the South African population. In an endeavour to transition from the past monolingual and monocultural practices, the JSAIS has been translated into isiZulu to eliminate any possible language barriers to participants. However, it is evident that translating tests is a risky procedure and every effort should be made to adhere to criteria proposed by the International Test Commission (ITC) to minimise cultural bias. One such way, is to thoroughly investigate the psychometric qualities of translated tests. The participants of the research are children in the Grade 1 isiZulu class at school in Soweto where research is being conducted. This longitudinal research project is a collaborative effort between the University of Basel, Switzerland and the Centre for Education Practice Research (CEPR) at the University of Johannesburg. The aim of this study was to apply a Rasch Analysis to the Numerical Intelligence Quotient Eight (NUM Scale) of an isiZulu translation of the Junior South African Individual Scales (JSAIS) to determine the quality of the items in relation to the ability of participants in the sample group. As an exploratory, quantitative study, the findings suggest that the JSAIS has some strong psychometric properties and that adaptation, translation and renorming of the test should be conducted in future studies. The findings of this study show that the data generated varied in its fit of the Rasch Model. While findings confirm that the numerical subtests of the Number and Quantity are valid measures of the construct for which it was designed, it is recommended that further studies be conducted into the equivalence of the isiZulu translated JSAIS, the further testing of larger samples of participants and the reduction of cultural loading on items. The information gleaned from this study regarding the misfitting of items, item difficulty and overlapping should also be considered to enhance the quality of this test and thereby maintaining the tenets of our new, modern democracy in South Africa.

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / See the attached abstract below

The aim of this research was (1) to provide empirical data of learning potential and English language proficiency for work performance; (2) to establish whether race and gender influence work performance; (3) to evaluate practical utility and to propose recommendations for selection purposes. The Learning Potential Computerised Adaptive Test and the English Literacy Skills Assessment were used as measuring instruments to measure learning potential and English language proficiency respectively. Work performance data were obtained from the normal performance data system of the company where the research was conducted. ANOVA results showed differences between race and gender groupings. A regression analysis confirmed the predictive validity of learning potential and English language proficiency on work performance. The Spearman rho correlation coefficient (p < 0.05) showed a significant positive correlation between the investigated variables / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)