The purpose of this study was to build theory about parasocial relationships and to examine what affect, if any, religion had on parasocial relationships. Using qualitative methods, the researcher watched the show three times with five women followed by an in-depth interview. The women chosen were LDS stay-at-home moms who had watched a soap opera for at least a year. From this data came several surprising findings about religion and soap opera viewing. The women said they did not feel guilty about the content of the shows, rather the time required to watch. This guilt was alleviated by structuring their daily tasks around watching the shows. Also, since the women viewed the show as entertainment, they were less likely to judge the actions of the characters as harshly as if it were real-life. Current life situation was also the biggest factor in whether or not a parasocial relationship existed and how strong that relationship is. This thesis illustrates the need for a comprehensive theory about parasocial relationships. As the media becomes more prominent in our lives, parasocial relationships will need to become understood in greater detail in order to understand what possible effect, if any, they could have.

The diploma thesis The linking of literary and musical ballads in music education at the second stage of elementary school delineates the general definition of the ballad genre from the literary and musical point of view. The work demonstrates the interaction of both arts during the creation of this genre, inferring from several professional publications. It also clarifies the main branches of the genre, especially the folk ballad and the artificial ballad. Main Czech authors contributing to these genres are introduced within each of these ballads. Based on the overview of Czech music authors, the examples of musical forms, inspired by verbal art and chosen by these authors for their compositions, are described. Attention is paid to the pedagogically psychological aspect of the ballad, which demonstrates the significant influence of this genre on the development of the individual competencies of the pupil at the second stage of elementary school. The contribution of the ballad to educational areas and its benefits on mutual school subject relationships are discussed in several points. This diploma thesis shows evidence of the interaction of verbal and musical art considering the overview of the ballad genre development and its music rendition. The text proves contribution of the ballad and its...

With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. xviii In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. / Psychology / D. LITT et. Phil. ( Psychology)

The study explored the factors influencing the use of voluntary counselling and testing by university students. This was done by undertaking an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. Focus group discussions and field notes were used to collect data from the participants. Outcomes from the study revealed various factors to the uptake of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services by university students namely: the desire to know one‟s HIV status, illness, pregnancy, blood donation, to get a reward, the influence of significant others, the influence of media, awareness campaigns, compulsion, to get a job, curiosity, to be a positive role model and the positive attitude and professional conduct of the health care provider. The study also revealed various challenges to the uptake of VCT services by university students namely: the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive, HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, the low perception of risk to HIV infection, the lack of student friendly VCT services, the shortage of human and infrastructural resources, the inaccessibility of VCT services, the long waiting period for test results, negative perceptions about VCT, the problems with pre-test counselling and ignorance. Going by the participants‟ suggestions VCT services uptake by university students could be improved by increased resource allocation (incentives, human and infrastructural resources), increased awareness campaigns, and improved counselling and making VCT services more accessible / Information Science / MA (Public Health)

Cette thèse s’intéresse à la médiation de l’architecture au musée et aux divers moyens employés pour communiquer le projet architectural en exposition. L’objectif est de mieux connaître la réception que font les visiteurs architectes et non-architectes des outils utilisés pour exposer les aspects variés du projet architectural. On s’entend pour dire que la communication du projet architectural par l’exposition n’est pas tâche facile. Des représentations diverses (dessins, maquettes, photographies, vidéos, etc.) sont utilisées pour exposer le bâti absent. Plusieurs des objets présentés sont complexes à interpréter, surtout pour un néophyte, notamment en raison des codes qu’ils contiennent. Une méthode souvent employée par les commissaires est la « mise en série » de divers types de représentations, chaque outil permettant d’accéder à des informations spécifiques sur le projet. Comme les objets présentés sont souvent difficiles d’accès et que leur présentation sous forme de série peut ajouter à la complexité, il apparaît important d’investiguer la manière dont les visiteurs font sens de ce type de dispositif. Cette recherche vise principalement à jeter les bases d’une connaissance empirique de la réception d’expositions d’architecture par les visiteurs. Six questions ont été retenues pour analyse : (1) Quels objets sont mobilisés par le visiteur? (2) Quels types d’opérations mentales sont faites en lien avec ces objets? (3) Quels sont les obstacles rencontrés, et que fait le visiteur suite à la rencontre d’un obstacle? (4) Quels aspects du projet architectural (matérialité, concept, contexte, etc.) retiennent l’attention du visiteur? (5) Comment le visiteur fait-il des liens entre les différents objets exposés sous forme de série? (6) Le profil professionnel des visiteurs (architectes vs non-architectes) a-t-il une influence sur la construction de sens? Le recueil de données auprès d’une trentaine de visiteurs s’est déroulé au Centre canadien d'architecture (CCA) de Montréal dans l’exposition « Perspectives de vie à Londres et à Tokyo imaginées par Stephen Taylor et Ryue Nishizawa ». Chaque participant visite l'exposition en compagnie de la chercheure avec qui il partage, au fur et à mesure de sa visite, ses pensées et émotions, selon la méthode des protocoles verbaux concomitants (aussi connue sous le nom de thinking aloud ou protocol analysis). L'ensemble des propos est enregistré pour permettre une retranscription exacte avant analyse. Plusieurs des résultats obtenus confirment des idées déjà avancées par les chercheurs telles la popularité des photographies, le peu d’intérêt de la part des non-architectes pour les plans, les aspects variés du projet mentionnés face aux objets exposés, ou encore l’établissement de liens entre les objets comme moyen d’identifier la série. D’autres résultats mettent plutôt en doute des affirmations retrouvées dans les écrits, mais encore jamais appuyées par des données empiriques. Par exemple, plusieurs commissaires considèrent que la maquette est un excellent outil pour communiquer l’architecture et qu’elle est appréciée de tous. Or, dans le cadre de la présente étude, la maquette est peu utilisée par les visiteurs. Le type de maquette et la manière dont elle est disposée dans l’espace peuvent ainsi rendre cet outil peu utile dans la construction de sens du visiteur. Plusieurs auteurs appréhendent des difficultés et des obstacles pour les visiteurs non-architectes. Les présents résultats confirment certaines difficultés des visiteurs néophytes, mais ils démontrent également que les architectes rencontrent eux aussi des obstacles variés / This thesis focusses on the mediation of architecture in the museum setting and on the different tools used to communicate the architectural project in the exhibition. The main goal of this research is to get a better knowledge and understanding of the reception of the different objects used to exhibit the many aspects of architectural projects by visitors (architects and non-architects). There is a general agreement on the fact that it is difficult to communicate architecture through the exhibition media. Many objects are typically used to exhibit the architectural project : drawings, models, photographs, videos and so forth. Some of these tools can be hard to understand, especially for a layperson, since they are coded objects. In order to better communicate the architectural project, curators often choose to depict it by presenting a series of objects, each tool conveying a different aspect of the building. This serial type of presentation can make the task even harder for some visitors. Since understanding an architectural project can be quite difficult for visitors, it appears important to investigate the meaning making of visitors of varying profiles. Six main questions were investigated in this thesis : (1) Which exhibition objects attracted the visitor’s attention? (2) What type of mental operations did the visitor do in relation to these objects? (3) Which obstacles did the visitor face, and what did he do when faced with such obstacles? (4) Which aspects of the architectural project (materiality, concept, context, etc.) attracted the visitor’s attention? (5) How did the visitor link the different objects presented in a serial manner? (6) Did the visitor’s professionnal profile (architect or non-architect) influence his meaning making? Data were collected among thirty visitors at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal during the exhibition « Some Ideas on Living in London and Tokyo by Stephen Taylor and Ryue Nishizawa ». Each participant was asked to express, as freely as possible, what he thought, saw, felt and imagined during the course of his visit, as is prescribed by the thinking aloud method (also known as protocol analysis). The participant is accompanied by the researcher throughout his visit. Visitor’s verbalisations are recorded, then typed and encoded for analysis. Many of the results obtained in this research confirm ideas that were presented in previous texts by scholars : the popularity of photographs ; the little interest for plans by non-architects ; the various aspects of the architectural project mentionned in relation to the objects exhibited ; the links established between objects as a means to identify the serial presentation. Other results, though, challenge some ideas frequently presented by authors, but never validated by empirical data. For instance, many curators consider a model to be a very popular and easily understood tool used to communicate architecture. In the present research, the model is not used very much by visitors. Therefore, the type of model and the way to exhibit it might make this tool more or less useful for meaning making by visitors. Many authors believe that non architects encounter difficulties and obstacles during their visit. The results obtained in this thesis show that, as expected, non architects do face obstacles, but they also reveal that architects themselves face many obstacles and challenges in their meaning making while visiting the architecture exhibition

The study explored the factors influencing the use of voluntary counselling and testing by university students. This was done by undertaking an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. Focus group discussions and field notes were used to collect data from the participants. Outcomes from the study revealed various factors to the uptake of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services by university students namely: the desire to know one‟s HIV status, illness, pregnancy, blood donation, to get a reward, the influence of significant others, the influence of media, awareness campaigns, compulsion, to get a job, curiosity, to be a positive role model and the positive attitude and professional conduct of the health care provider. The study also revealed various challenges to the uptake of VCT services by university students namely: the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive, HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, the low perception of risk to HIV infection, the lack of student friendly VCT services, the shortage of human and infrastructural resources, the inaccessibility of VCT services, the long waiting period for test results, negative perceptions about VCT, the problems with pre-test counselling and ignorance. Going by the participants‟ suggestions VCT services uptake by university students could be improved by increased resource allocation (incentives, human and infrastructural resources), increased awareness campaigns, and improved counselling and making VCT services more accessible / Information Science / MA (Public Health)

Ce texte explore les phénomènes qui expliquent comment la personnalité des décideurs influence l’interprétation de la loi. La personnalité y est envisagée comme une notion qui englobe l’ensemble des traits idiosyncratiques du juge, y compris sa susceptibilité aux diverses forces sociales capables d’influencer son comportement judiciaire. La première moitié de l’ouvrage s’attarde aux phénomènes qui expliquent pourquoi la personnalité peut influencer la détermination du droit. Ainsi, l’ouvrage étudie les principales philosophies au sujet du droit et de l’adjudication : le formalisme et le réalisme. L’analyse se poursuit en explorant les raisons qui expliquent l’indétermination de la loi. Elle se conclut en considérant la place qu’occupent les tribunaux dans la détermination du droit et les conséquences de ce cette réalité interprétative. La deuxième moitié s’intéresse aux phénomènes psychologiques qui expliquent comment la personnalité influence le raisonnement utilisé pour résoudre des problèmes difficiles. L’étude commence en considérant l’herméneutique et la compréhension comme acte subjectif affecté par les biais personnels du lecteur. L’analyse se poursuit en présentant le raisonnement humain et le modèle de la cohérence proposé par Dan Simon. À l’intérieur de ce modèle, l’esprit raisonne grâce à une représentation mentale du problème. C’est à ce niveau que la personnalité influence l’interprétation du droit puisqu’elle sert à déterminer l’acceptation de chacune des propositions qui forment le modèle. L’esprit reconstruit celui-ci pour trouver une solution qui soit cohérente avec sa compréhension du monde. Le texte se conclut en expliquant certains phénomènes qui tempèrent l’influence de la personnalité. / This text explores the phenomena that explain how the personality of decision-makers influences the construction of statutes. In this instance, personality is defined as a concept which encompasses all the judge's idiosyncratic features, including his susceptibility to the various social forces capable of influencing his judicial behavior. The first half of the book considers why the personality can influence the determination of the law. It studies the main philosophies regarding law and adjudication: formalism and realism. The analysis continues by exploring the reasons behind the indeterminacy of the law. It ends by considering the role courts play in determining the law and the consequences of this interpretative reality. The second half focuses on the psychological notions that explain how personality influences the reasoning used to solve difficult problems. It begins by considering hermeneutics and how understanding is a subjective exercise influenced by the reader’s personal bias. The analysis continues by considering human reasoning and the coherence model proposed by Dan Simon. Within this model, the mind reasons through a mental representation of the problem. It is at this level that personality influences the construction of statutes since it is used to evaluate the acceptance of the propositions that form the model. The mind then reconstructs the model to find a solution which is coherent with the judge’s worldview. The text concludes by explaining parts of the reasoning model which dampen the influence of the personality.

With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. xviii In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. ( Psychology)

The purpose of the study was to construct a psycho-social model for team cohesion at a financial institution. The financial institution had been in existence for 127 years, and had faced significant challenges throughout its history of acquisitions and mergers to establish working teams that would give it a competitive edge in global financial markets. The research objective was to develop a psycho-social model for team cohesion by investigating the interrelationships and overall relationships amongst the independent constructs (self-worth, personality preferences and conflict resolution styles) and the relevant outcome (team cohesion). Furthermore, the study also scientifically tested the possible moderating effect of the employees’ socio-demographic characteristics (race, gender, age, level of education, job level and tenure) on the fostering of team cohesiveness. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design approach was selected and applied to a simple probability sample (N = 463) using standardised, valid and reliable measuring instruments. The population consisted of permanent employees, and the results revealed significant relationships between the construct variables. The canonical correlation indicated a significant overall relationship between the contingencies of self-worth domains, personality preferences and conflict resolution styles, and the team cohesion-related dispositions of cohesiveness and engaged. The structured equation modelling indicated a good fit of the data between the individuals’ contingencies of self-worth domains (family support, God’s love, virtues, competition, work competence, physical appearance and pleasing others), the accommodating conflict resolution style, an extraversion personality preference, and team cohesion. Hierarchical moderated regression showed that race, age, educational level and job tenure significantly moderated the relationship between the participants’ psycho-social attributes and team cohesion. Tests for significant mean differences revealed significant differences in terms of the socio-biographical variables. On a theoretical level, the study deepened understanding of the antecedent constructs (self-worth, personality preferences and conflict resolution styles) and team cohesion construct. On an empirical level, the study produced an empirically tested psycho-social model for team cohesion. This study will add significant practical, valuable knowledge to the organisation in managing the future establishment and enhancement of team cohesion, and when integrating new team members to the environment during organisational restructuring and re-alignment after acquisitions and mergers, without negatively affecting organisational effectiveness. These findings invariably provided new insight in managing and understanding inherent interpersonal conflict among employees in the workplace and the enhancement of team cohesion practices, thus adding to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of Consulting Psychology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology, more specifically in financial organisations. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Consulting Psychology)

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and its impact on their identity development. The qualitative research paradigm was chosen for the purpose of this study. In depth interviews were held with three young adults who lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS when they were young. Hermeneutics thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study’s results identified different psychosocial issues associated with HIV/AIDS which were considered to be an influence in the lives of participants and their identity development. The results indicate that HIV/AIDS still has a strong and negative connotation which influenced the participants’ attitude and behaviour, including the development of their sense of identity. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)