Browsing by Author "Wallis, Taryn"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    A comparison of native and non-native English-speaking groups' understanding of the vocabulary contained within the 16PF (SA92)
    (SAGE, 2003) Wallis, Taryn; Birt, Martin
    Part of the qualitative phase of Abrahams and Mauer’s (1999b) study was replicated at the University of Cape Town with both native English-speaking and non-native English-speaking students. Participants were required to provide synonyms for 135 words contained within the 16PF (SA92) in order to ascertain the extent of problems with the language in the test. When following Abrahams and Mauer’s original methodology strictly, results seemed to indicate that both groups struggled with the language contained in the 16PF (SA92). However, less rigid marking, taking into account everyday usage of the words, showed that both groups did understand the words, although they were prevented from displaying this by the original restrictive method. It is suggested that more research be conducted with instruments such as the 16PF in order to obtain a fuller understanding of the extent to which language can affect scores obtained.
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    An evaluation of the effectiveness of an HIV
    (2005) Farquharson, Kathleen; Wallis, Taryn
    Includes bibliographical references.
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    Psychological tests are not really measuring what they claim to measure: A re-evaluation of the concept of construct validity
    (2004) Wallis, Taryn
    Criticisms have been raised that psychological tests do not actually measure the variables that they claim to measure. As a result, the concept of construct validity is called into question. This article explores the rationale for measurement criticisms levelled at the field as well as the implications for psychology if pseudo-measurement is perpetuated. The article argues that either a re-conceptualisation of construct validity or the development of . a new form of validity evidence may be necessary, if the psychological profession is to meet the future in an ethical and scientific manner.
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    "Sustainability of behaviour" : a qualitative study of employees in a financial services organisation
    (2004) Wilkinson, Marcelle; Wallis, Taryn
    In the currently competitive business environment, organisations are placing an everincreasing emphasis on their employees as a source of competitive advantage. It is believed that they possess a level of skills, knowledge, attitudes or behaviours upon which the organisation can draw as it grows and develops. Paradoxically, employees cannot always sustain the competencies that dictate an organisation's success in the contemporary work environment due to the significant levels of change that exist. This research explores sustainability of behaviour in an organisational setting, and develops a conceptual framework for understanding this phenomenon. The research follows an exploratory, qualitative design. Data was collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with fourteen employees in a large financial services organisation in the Western Cape. The data was analysed using techniques of analysis provided by grounded theory. Results indicate a multi-dimensional relationship between certain causal conditions, intervening conditions, contextual conditions and action/interaction strategies which all influence whether or not behaviour is sustained in the workplace. These findings have implications for human resource practices in the contemporary organisation.
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    The relationship between work-family conflict and central life interests amongst single working mothers
    (AOSIS, 2003) Wallis, Taryn; Price, Linda
    This study explored the experiences of work-family conflict amongst a group of twenty single working mothers with pre-school age children. Dubin’s (1992) theory of Central Life Interests was utilised to fully understand how the differential importance of the roles played by the women informed the level and nature of the conflict experienced. A two-phase research design was employed in which questionnaire responses from the first phase formed the basis for the second phase of in-depth qualitative interviews. Results indicated that participants viewed motherhood as their Central Life Interest and that this priority could lead them to experience greater conflict between work and family demands. Although work was rated second in importance when compared to family, it was still seen as being of great significance, not only for instrumental reasons, but also for the intellectual stimulation that it provided and opportunities to exercise independence and responsibility.
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    Work as a central life interest for legal professionals
    (AOSIS, 2005) Genis, Jacques; Wallis, Taryn
    Dubin’s theory of Central Life Interests (CLIs) was used to investigate whether work is a CLI for legal professionals in South Africa. The research also served as a comparative exploration between the public and private sectors based on their work centrality and work orientation. 59 employees from three public sector organisations and 27 employees from various private sector law firms completed questionnaires. Contrary to Dubin’s theory, results indicated that two-thirds of respondents did not have work as a CLI. Also, contrary to previous work on private and public sector employees, some interesting similarities emerged between the two sectors.