This investigation has been undertaken to determine the extent to which personality guidance receives the necessary attention in secondary schools in the Transvaal. For this investigation the survey was conducted amongst Heads of Department for Educational Guidance in all Afrikaans-medium and double-medium secondary schools in the Transvaal. The theoretical background for the investigation was obtained by studying authoritative literature on the developmental possibilities of the secondary school pupil and the implications thereof for personality guidance. The physical, social, cognitive and emotional developmental possibilities of the adolescent were described as well as possible inherent problems. The task of the school, home and peer group with regard to the pupil's sound personality development was considered. The emphasis, however, was placed on the task of the school and in particular the role of the subject teacher. In the empirical investigation the questionnaire method was used. The SAS-computer programme was applied to determine the average of the responses for each question. From the results of the investigation it appears that 30,5% of the Heads of Department for Educational Guidance believe that personality guidance is thoroughly carried out while 45% are of the opinion that it receives only moderate attention. A further 20,4% describe the guidance provided as unsatisfactory and 4,1% of the Heads of Department indicated that at their schools nothing is being done regarding personality guidance. Even though 75,5% of the respondents reacted positively, it would appear that in practise personality guidance receives only casual attention. It is not specifically pursued and therefore It does not have a lasting effect on the pupils. Ideally the guidance programme should provide for comprehensive and thorough formative personality guidance to pupils. The results of the investigation suggest that there is definite room for Improvement. For the personality programme to be really effective, it is necessary that pupils should be maximally exposed to the contents of the programme while comprehensive involvement of a committed staff is essential. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor progress and, if necessary, to effect adjustments. / Proefskrif (DEd)--PU vir CHO, 1989

This investigation has been undertaken to determine the extent to which personality guidance receives the necessary attention in secondary schools in the Transvaal. For this investigation the survey was conducted amongst Heads of Department for Educational Guidance in all Afrikaans-medium and double-medium secondary schools in the Transvaal. The theoretical background for the investigation was obtained by studying authoritative literature on the developmental possibilities of the secondary school pupil and the implications thereof for personality guidance. The physical, social, cognitive and emotional developmental possibilities of the adolescent were described as well as possible inherent problems. The task of the school, home and peer group with regard to the pupil's sound personality development was considered. The emphasis, however, was placed on the task of the school and in particular the role of the subject teacher. In the empirical investigation the questionnaire method was used. The SAS-computer programme was applied to determine the average of the responses for each question. From the results of the investigation it appears that 30,5% of the Heads of Department for Educational Guidance believe that personality guidance is thoroughly carried out while 45% are of the opinion that it receives only moderate attention. A further 20,4% describe the guidance provided as unsatisfactory and 4,1% of the Heads of Department indicated that at their schools nothing is being done regarding personality guidance. Even though 75,5% of the respondents reacted positively, it would appear that in practise personality guidance receives only casual attention. It is not specifically pursued and therefore It does not have a lasting effect on the pupils. Ideally the guidance programme should provide for comprehensive and thorough formative personality guidance to pupils. The results of the investigation suggest that there is definite room for Improvement. For the personality programme to be really effective, it is necessary that pupils should be maximally exposed to the contents of the programme while comprehensive involvement of a committed staff is essential. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor progress and, if necessary, to effect adjustments. / Proefskrif (DEd)--PU vir CHO, 1989

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of personality variables on academic achievement. Apart from the personality variables, many other variables influence the academic achievement of secondary school pupils. A literature study was undertaken to examine the nature and extent of the influence of personality variables and these other variables which include the family environment, school variables and pupil characteristics, on academic achievement. The family environment includes such variables as the socio-economic status of the family, family size, birth order and family relationships. It was found that these variables have a significant influence on academic achievement. School variables were divided into macro-level variables which include school size and -location, and micro-level variables which encompass those variables concerned with the actual classroom situation. From the literature study could be deduced that the micro-level variables, such as class size, furniture arrangement, seating position, body image boundaries and teacher characteristics have a greater influence on academic achievement than the macro-level variables. Pupil characteristics were found to have a significant influence on academic achievement. Cognitive variables such as intelligence and prior knowledge affect academic achievement the most. Although the effect of the non-cognitive variables which include cognitive style, pupil affect, locus of control, motivation, role expectations and study orientation, is not as great as that of the cognitive variables, non-cognitive variables nevertheless add significantly to the explanation of the variance in academic achievement. As the influence of the family environment, school variables and pupil characteristics seemed to be significant, these variables were included in the empirical investigation as control variables. The personality variables which were discussed in the literature study are introversion-extraversion, neuroticism and some personality factors of the High School Personality Questionnaire. Finally, the relationship between various personality variables and academic achievement in general and in specific school subjects, was discussed. From the literature study could be deduced that, although personality variables per se do not explain such a large percentage of the variance in academic achievement, they nevertheless increase the percentage of variance in academic achievement explained by the other variables significantly. Personality variables were included in the empirical study as experimental variables. All the standard ten pupils who followed the regular standard ten courses (excluding the practical course) and were taught by medium of Afrikaans in the OFS in 1980, were included as the population for this investigation. The dependent variables of the study were the average mark in standard ten and achievement in Afrikaans and Mathematics. A large number of variables with regard to each pupil was measured. By means of a factor analysis these variables were reduced to 15 control variables to which factor B (less intelligent-more intelligent) of the HSPQ was added. The remaining 13 personality variables of the HSPQ served as the experimental variables. The multiple regression analysis technique was used to determine the influence of: 1. the control variables; 2. the control plus the experimental variables; 3. the experimental (personality) variables and 4. the personality variables of boys and girls separately on each of the three dependent variables. The most important results of the empirical investigation can be stated as follows: The control variables influence academic achievement. The cognitive variable is the single control variable with the greatest influence on all three the dependent variables. Sex of the pupil and school variables influence achievement in Afrikaans meaningfully, whilst faculty of comprehension has a meaningful influence on achievement in Mathematics. A multivariate model which includes personality variables is more effective than a multivariate model excluding personality variables. Personality variables in a multivariate model are, however, more effective as predictors of achievement in Afrikaans than in Mathematics or in average mark in standard ten. Personality as a construct, thus in a multivariate model which includes only personality variables, also influences achievement in Afrikaans more than it influences achievement in Mathematics or average mark in standard ten. Learning tasks in Afrikaans are more perceptual whilst those in Mathematics are more conceptual. It was therefore deduced that personality variables have a greater influence on perceptual tasks than on conceptual tasks. All personality variables influence achievement in Afrikaans whereas only factor I (self-confidence) has a meaningful influence on Mathematics achievement. No difference was found in the influence of personality variables of boys and those of girls on achievement in Afrikaans. Achievement in Mathematics of girls is however influenced more by personality variables than that of boys. Whereas factor 0 (calm) has an influence on Mathematics achievement of boys, factor I (emotionality) has an influence on the mathematics achievement of girls. The conclusion of the study, therefore, is that personality variables influence academic achievement differently, depending on the school subjects investigated, the prediction model used and the sex of the pupils. The inclusion of personality variables in a multivariate model makes the model more effective for the prediction of academic achievement. The results of tests undertaken with such a model ought to enable teachers to gain more insight into the capabilities and interests of pupils and thus to provide better vocational guidance as concerns courses to be taken at secondary school level. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO, 1985

The environment, which includes the immediate milieu of the child, influences the child in his totality. The environment has an influence in all spheres of the child's life, such as in the intellectual and mental, on those personality traits which will develop into dominant ones, the emotional sphere, which includes anxiety, his attitude and disposition towards other people and towards objects, his relationships with others and his level of academic achievement. The aim of this study is to determine whether an altered milieu - a change from the parental home to a special school - will have a verifiable influence on the personality and academic achievements of children with behavioural deviations. Available literature on the personality, intelligence and academic achievement of both the well-adjusted and maladjusted child, the origin of misbehaviour, the manifestations of misbehaviour and the milieu as both causative and therapeutic factor in behavioural deviations was studied. The sample consisted of all Standard 6, Standard 7 and Standard 8 pupils of both sexes who were referred to the special school from their parental homes in the course of the first term. A selected battery of tests, consisting of standardized psychometric tests was applied individually to the subjects upon their arrival at the special school. After a period of at least six months the subjects were given the same battery of tests in a group, with the exception of the intelligence test, which was taken down individually. The test and background data were then tabulated and some generally valid conclusions were reached which could be made applicable to the group as a whole. After a period of sojourn at the special school, for example, the subjects did better academically and fewer failures occurred than in previous years. Their average intelligence quotient improved, but their anxiety level increased and their general level of study orientation deteriorated. Personality traits which figured more prominently included selfconfidence, group dependency, dominance and activity. Lethargy as a result of increased ergic tension decreased and the subjects were less phlegmatic and diffident. One could then come to the conclusion that a changed milieu does bring about a change as r.egards the academic achievement and certain personality traits of the subjects. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO, 1981

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of fear, adjustment and relationships on scholastic achievement of clinic school pupils. Two methods of enquiry were used. An outline of former research on the role of fear, adjustment and relationships was made by means of a study of the available relevant literature. This was followed by die empirical method to test the validity of specific hypotheses. In view of the fact that placement in a clinic school could be a traumatic experience, the clinic school as such was studied. Reasons for referral, school organisation and the admittance and discharge of pupils were examined. Finally some advantages and disadvantages of clinic school placement were discussed. The literature was unanimous about the role of fear, adjustment and relationships as possible causes for poor school achievement. It was also evident that socio-economical factors can play a significant role in determining fear and adjustment in pupils as well as influencing their relationships. In order to determine whether there is a relationship between fear, adjustment, the relationships and school achievement of clinic school pupils a number of hypotheses were formulated and tested. The empirical investigation was carried out at a senior secondary clinic school. The test battery consisted of the P.H.S.F Relationship Questionnaire, the Ipat Self Evaluation Questionnaire, the Bell adjustment inventory, a socio-economic status questionnaire as well as some personal documents and files relating to the pupils. Scholastic achievement, the dependant variable, was operationalised to the average percentage which was achieved by the pupil at the end of the previous school year. Via factor-analysis by using the computer programme DMDP4M, the number of variables was reduced to ten. By means of multiple regression analysis the contribution of each of fear, adjustment and relationships to the variance in scholastic achievement was determined. The resultant findings revealed that according to the study which was made of the available literature, a relationship between fear, adjustment, relationships and school achievement does exist. This relationship, however, could not be determined by means of the experimental research done for this study as no significant proportion of the variance in scholastic achievement was accounted for by fear. However, adjustment and relationships did explain a small proportion of the variance in scholastic achievement which can be considered as meaningful in educational terms. It can be concluded that fear, adjustment and relationships of clinic school pupils are all complex matters which cannot be easily assessed, empirically. The study is concluded by the inclusion of a few recommendations as well as a number of topics for further research. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO, 1985

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of personality variables on academic achievement. Apart from the personality variables, many other variables influence the academic achievement of secondary school pupils. A literature study was undertaken to examine the nature and extent of the influence of personality variables and these other variables which include the family environment, school variables and pupil characteristics, on academic achievement. The family environment includes such variables as the socio-economic status of the family, family size, birth order and family relationships. It was found that these variables have a significant influence on academic achievement. School variables were divided into macro-level variables which include school size and -location, and micro-level variables which encompass those variables concerned with the actual classroom situation. From the literature study could be deduced that the micro-level variables, such as class size, furniture arrangement, seating position, body image boundaries and teacher characteristics have a greater influence on academic achievement than the macro-level variables. Pupil characteristics were found to have a significant influence on academic achievement. Cognitive variables such as intelligence and prior knowledge affect academic achievement the most. Although the effect of the non-cognitive variables which include cognitive style, pupil affect, locus of control, motivation, role expectations and study orientation, is not as great as that of the cognitive variables, non-cognitive variables nevertheless add significantly to the explanation of the variance in academic achievement. As the influence of the family environment, school variables and pupil characteristics seemed to be significant, these variables were included in the empirical investigation as control variables. The personality variables which were discussed in the literature study are introversion-extraversion, neuroticism and some personality factors of the High School Personality Questionnaire. Finally, the relationship between various personality variables and academic achievement in general and in specific school subjects, was discussed. From the literature study could be deduced that, although personality variables per se do not explain such a large percentage of the variance in academic achievement, they nevertheless increase the percentage of variance in academic achievement explained by the other variables significantly. Personality variables were included in the empirical study as experimental variables. All the standard ten pupils who followed the regular standard ten courses (excluding the practical course) and were taught by medium of Afrikaans in the OFS in 1980, were included as the population for this investigation. The dependent variables of the study were the average mark in standard ten and achievement in Afrikaans and Mathematics. A large number of variables with regard to each pupil was measured. By means of a factor analysis these variables were reduced to 15 control variables to which factor B (less intelligent-more intelligent) of the HSPQ was added. The remaining 13 personality variables of the HSPQ served as the experimental variables. The multiple regression analysis technique was used to determine the influence of: 1. the control variables; 2. the control plus the experimental variables; 3. the experimental (personality) variables and 4. the personality variables of boys and girls separately on each of the three dependent variables. The most important results of the empirical investigation can be stated as follows: The control variables influence academic achievement. The cognitive variable is the single control variable with the greatest influence on all three the dependent variables. Sex of the pupil and school variables influence achievement in Afrikaans meaningfully, whilst faculty of comprehension has a meaningful influence on achievement in Mathematics. A multivariate model which includes personality variables is more effective than a multivariate model excluding personality variables. Personality variables in a multivariate model are, however, more effective as predictors of achievement in Afrikaans than in Mathematics or in average mark in standard ten. Personality as a construct, thus in a multivariate model which includes only personality variables, also influences achievement in Afrikaans more than it influences achievement in Mathematics or average mark in standard ten. Learning tasks in Afrikaans are more perceptual whilst those in Mathematics are more conceptual. It was therefore deduced that personality variables have a greater influence on perceptual tasks than on conceptual tasks. All personality variables influence achievement in Afrikaans whereas only factor I (self-confidence) has a meaningful influence on Mathematics achievement. No difference was found in the influence of personality variables of boys and those of girls on achievement in Afrikaans. Achievement in Mathematics of girls is however influenced more by personality variables than that of boys. Whereas factor 0 (calm) has an influence on Mathematics achievement of boys, factor I (emotionality) has an influence on the mathematics achievement of girls. The conclusion of the study, therefore, is that personality variables influence academic achievement differently, depending on the school subjects investigated, the prediction model used and the sex of the pupils. The inclusion of personality variables in a multivariate model makes the model more effective for the prediction of academic achievement. The results of tests undertaken with such a model ought to enable teachers to gain more insight into the capabilities and interests of pupils and thus to provide better vocational guidance as concerns courses to be taken at secondary school level. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO, 1985

The environment, which includes the immediate milieu of the child, influences the child in his totality. The environment has an influence in all spheres of the child's life, such as in the intellectual and mental, on those personality traits which will develop into dominant ones, the emotional sphere, which includes anxiety, his attitude and disposition towards other people and towards objects, his relationships with others and his level of academic achievement. The aim of this study is to determine whether an altered milieu - a change from the parental home to a special school - will have a verifiable influence on the personality and academic achievements of children with behavioural deviations. Available literature on the personality, intelligence and academic achievement of both the well-adjusted and maladjusted child, the origin of misbehaviour, the manifestations of misbehaviour and the milieu as both causative and therapeutic factor in behavioural deviations was studied. The sample consisted of all Standard 6, Standard 7 and Standard 8 pupils of both sexes who were referred to the special school from their parental homes in the course of the first term. A selected battery of tests, consisting of standardized psychometric tests was applied individually to the subjects upon their arrival at the special school. After a period of at least six months the subjects were given the same battery of tests in a group, with the exception of the intelligence test, which was taken down individually. The test and background data were then tabulated and some generally valid conclusions were reached which could be made applicable to the group as a whole. After a period of sojourn at the special school, for example, the subjects did better academically and fewer failures occurred than in previous years. Their average intelligence quotient improved, but their anxiety level increased and their general level of study orientation deteriorated. Personality traits which figured more prominently included selfconfidence, group dependency, dominance and activity. Lethargy as a result of increased ergic tension decreased and the subjects were less phlegmatic and diffident. One could then come to the conclusion that a changed milieu does bring about a change as r.egards the academic achievement and certain personality traits of the subjects. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO, 1981

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of fear, adjustment and relationships on scholastic achievement of clinic school pupils. Two methods of enquiry were used. An outline of former research on the role of fear, adjustment and relationships was made by means of a study of the available relevant literature. This was followed by die empirical method to test the validity of specific hypotheses. In view of the fact that placement in a clinic school could be a traumatic experience, the clinic school as such was studied. Reasons for referral, school organisation and the admittance and discharge of pupils were examined. Finally some advantages and disadvantages of clinic school placement were discussed. The literature was unanimous about the role of fear, adjustment and relationships as possible causes for poor school achievement. It was also evident that socio-economical factors can play a significant role in determining fear and adjustment in pupils as well as influencing their relationships. In order to determine whether there is a relationship between fear, adjustment, the relationships and school achievement of clinic school pupils a number of hypotheses were formulated and tested. The empirical investigation was carried out at a senior secondary clinic school. The test battery consisted of the P.H.S.F Relationship Questionnaire, the Ipat Self Evaluation Questionnaire, the Bell adjustment inventory, a socio-economic status questionnaire as well as some personal documents and files relating to the pupils. Scholastic achievement, the dependant variable, was operationalised to the average percentage which was achieved by the pupil at the end of the previous school year. Via factor-analysis by using the computer programme DMDP4M, the number of variables was reduced to ten. By means of multiple regression analysis the contribution of each of fear, adjustment and relationships to the variance in scholastic achievement was determined. The resultant findings revealed that according to the study which was made of the available literature, a relationship between fear, adjustment, relationships and school achievement does exist. This relationship, however, could not be determined by means of the experimental research done for this study as no significant proportion of the variance in scholastic achievement was accounted for by fear. However, adjustment and relationships did explain a small proportion of the variance in scholastic achievement which can be considered as meaningful in educational terms. It can be concluded that fear, adjustment and relationships of clinic school pupils are all complex matters which cannot be easily assessed, empirically. The study is concluded by the inclusion of a few recommendations as well as a number of topics for further research. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO, 1985

The Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998, Section 8 (Government Gazette, 1998) provides clear guidelines for psychometric testing in South Africa. Due to the cultural complexity of the South African population, personality tests in particular do not always comply with these specifications. Most personality tests used in South Africa have been developed in and imported from other countries, and are consequently not always appropriate for all cultural groups. Also, the majority of indigenous personality tests were developed and standardised specifically for the white population. Today a major challenge in personality assessment development is to develop and standardise inventories for the 11 official language groups in South Africa. The objectives of this study were to develop valid and reliable items for an Intellect–measuring instrument that will form part of a larger personality inventory, to investigate the factor solution of this Intellect cluster, and to compare the factor solutions of the white and African race groups respectively. An Intellect questionnaire consisting of 202 items was developed based on the qualitative phase of the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI). This research served as a pilot study. The sample consisted of (N=524) students from tertiary institutions in the Gauteng and the North West Provinces of South Africa. A quantitative design with an exploratory approach was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that only 18 of the original 202 items proved to be unreliable. Acceptable reliability levels for all facets were found. First–order factor analysis produced two sub–clusters: Aesthetics and Intellect. The Aesthetics sub–cluster consisted of the Artistic, Concrete work and Creative facets, and the Intellect sub–cluster consisted of the Intellect, Knowledgeable, Logical, Self–insight, Articulate, Competent, Enterprising, Perceptive, Social Intellect and Understanding facets. Second–order factor analysis indicated a single–order factor for the Intellect cluster with two second–order factors: Aesthetics and Intellect. Support was found to discard the Musical and Enterprising facets from the Intellect cluster. Similar factor solutions were found for the white and African groups - except for the Musical facet, which loaded on the Aesthetics sub–cluster for the white group and on the Intellect sub–cluster for the African group. Recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998, Section 8 (Government Gazette, 1998) provides clear guidelines for psychometric testing in South Africa. Due to the cultural complexity of the South African population, personality tests in particular do not always comply with these specifications. Most personality tests used in South Africa have been developed in and imported from other countries, and are consequently not always appropriate for all cultural groups. Also, the majority of indigenous personality tests were developed and standardised specifically for the white population. Today a major challenge in personality assessment development is to develop and standardise inventories for the 11 official language groups in South Africa. The objectives of this study were to develop valid and reliable items for an Intellect–measuring instrument that will form part of a larger personality inventory, to investigate the factor solution of this Intellect cluster, and to compare the factor solutions of the white and African race groups respectively. An Intellect questionnaire consisting of 202 items was developed based on the qualitative phase of the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI). This research served as a pilot study. The sample consisted of (N=524) students from tertiary institutions in the Gauteng and the North West Provinces of South Africa. A quantitative design with an exploratory approach was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that only 18 of the original 202 items proved to be unreliable. Acceptable reliability levels for all facets were found. First–order factor analysis produced two sub–clusters: Aesthetics and Intellect. The Aesthetics sub–cluster consisted of the Artistic, Concrete work and Creative facets, and the Intellect sub–cluster consisted of the Intellect, Knowledgeable, Logical, Self–insight, Articulate, Competent, Enterprising, Perceptive, Social Intellect and Understanding facets. Second–order factor analysis indicated a single–order factor for the Intellect cluster with two second–order factors: Aesthetics and Intellect. Support was found to discard the Musical and Enterprising facets from the Intellect cluster. Similar factor solutions were found for the white and African groups - except for the Musical facet, which loaded on the Aesthetics sub–cluster for the white group and on the Intellect sub–cluster for the African group. Recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.