Development of graphene materials and phthalocyanines for application in dye-sensitized solar cells
- Authors: Chindeka, Francis
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Dye-sensitized solar cells , Graphene , Phthalocyanines , Molecular orbitals , Impedance spectroscopy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166092 , vital:41328
- Description: Two sets of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated. In the first set, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were fabricated by incorporating graphene materials as catalysts at the counter electrode. Platinum was also used as a catalyst for comparative purposes. Different phthalocyanines: hydroxyl indium tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (1), chloro indium octacarboxy phthalocyanine (2) and dibenzoic acid silicon phthalocyanine (3) were used as dyes. Complex 3 gave the highest power conversion efficiency (η) of 3.19% when using nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (NrGONS) as a catalyst at the counter electrode, and TiO2 containing rGONS at the anode. The value obtained is close to 3.8% obtained when using Pt catalyst instead of NrGONS at the cathode, thus confirming that NrGONS is a promising candidate to replace the more expensive Pt. The study also shows that placing rGONS on both the anode and cathode improves efficiency. In the second set, DSSCs were fabricated by using 2(3,5-biscarboxyphenoxy), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-tri(tertbutyl) phthalocyaninato Cu (4) and Zn (5) complexes as dyes on the ITO-TiO2 photoanodes containing reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGONS) or nitrogen-doped rGONS (NrGONS). The evaluation of the assembled DSSCs revealed that using ITO-TiO2-NrGONS-CuPc (4) photoanode had the highest fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (ɳ) of 69 % and 4.36 % respectively. These results show that the asymmetrical phthalocyanine complexes (4) and (5) showed significant improvement on the performance of the DSSC compared to previous work on symmetrical carboxylated phthalocyanines with ɳ = 3.19%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chindeka, Francis
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Dye-sensitized solar cells , Graphene , Phthalocyanines , Molecular orbitals , Impedance spectroscopy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166092 , vital:41328
- Description: Two sets of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated. In the first set, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were fabricated by incorporating graphene materials as catalysts at the counter electrode. Platinum was also used as a catalyst for comparative purposes. Different phthalocyanines: hydroxyl indium tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (1), chloro indium octacarboxy phthalocyanine (2) and dibenzoic acid silicon phthalocyanine (3) were used as dyes. Complex 3 gave the highest power conversion efficiency (η) of 3.19% when using nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (NrGONS) as a catalyst at the counter electrode, and TiO2 containing rGONS at the anode. The value obtained is close to 3.8% obtained when using Pt catalyst instead of NrGONS at the cathode, thus confirming that NrGONS is a promising candidate to replace the more expensive Pt. The study also shows that placing rGONS on both the anode and cathode improves efficiency. In the second set, DSSCs were fabricated by using 2(3,5-biscarboxyphenoxy), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-tri(tertbutyl) phthalocyaninato Cu (4) and Zn (5) complexes as dyes on the ITO-TiO2 photoanodes containing reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGONS) or nitrogen-doped rGONS (NrGONS). The evaluation of the assembled DSSCs revealed that using ITO-TiO2-NrGONS-CuPc (4) photoanode had the highest fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (ɳ) of 69 % and 4.36 % respectively. These results show that the asymmetrical phthalocyanine complexes (4) and (5) showed significant improvement on the performance of the DSSC compared to previous work on symmetrical carboxylated phthalocyanines with ɳ = 3.19%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The catchup games: a novella
- Authors: Nstumpa, Siya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167222 , vital:41448
- Description: Creative work portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nstumpa, Siya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167222 , vital:41448
- Description: Creative work portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Whatever you say
- Authors: Campbell, Laura
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140993 , vital:37935
- Description: This document consists of two (2) parts : Part A: Thesis (Creative Work) ; Part B: Portfolio
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Campbell, Laura
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140993 , vital:37935
- Description: This document consists of two (2) parts : Part A: Thesis (Creative Work) ; Part B: Portfolio
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Mapping and predicting potential distribution patterns of free-range livestock in the rural communal rangelands of Mgwalana, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mkabile, Qawekazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Livestock -- South Africa , Livestock -- Monitoring -- South Africa , Livestock -- Remote sensing -- South Africa , Communal rangelands -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96000 , vital:31223
- Description: Communal rangelands provide habitat to many plants and animals. However, there is evidence that livestock cause range degradation. Range degradation occurs because livestock select grazing based on the availability of resources such as water and forage material, their use of the landscape is non-uniform, consequently causing resource deterioration. Range management is thus necessary because communities depend on range condition for livestock productivity. However, precise quantification of livestock distribution within communal rangelands is lacking. In developed countries, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) collars have been used to monitor wildlife and domestic livestock in pastures and seem to have worked efficiently. However, in a developing country like South Africa, GPS technology to monitor animal behaviour has been used only for wildlife on privately owned land. The high costs of monitoring livestock herds in large open areas such as communal rangelands have resulted in little or no monitoring of domestic livestock using GPS technology. This study links monitored livestock distribution to physical landscape variables in Mgwalana, and uses the modelled relationship to predict livestock distribution in quaternary catchments, T12A and T35A-E. The research addresses the questions (1) where do livestock spend time in the wet and dry seasons? And (2) how can areas of potential livestock distribution be identified in other catchments where actual distribution is unknown? Livestock were tracked during the wet and dry seasons using GPS collars. The resulting distribution data is combined with selected physical landscape variables to identify selectivity. The GPS location data and the physical landscape variables are used to predict potential livestock distribution where distribution is unknown in quaternary catchments (T12A and T35A-E). The ArcGIS Predictive Analysis Tool (PAT) was used to extract the selected landscape variable ranges based on the GPS location data and identify areas with the same conditions in the quaternary catchments were subsequently selected. The key findings are that livestock prefer accessible areas with gentle terrain near water sources, avoiding south-facing slopes which receive less solar radiation and tend to be cooler. Livestock are attracted to vegetation in riparian zones. Rural communal lands are dominated by poverty, and land-based livelihood strategies can potentially contribute to the well-being of the community. Therefore, understanding livestock distribution can contribute to a rangeland management strategy aimed at improving range condition which could increase livestock productivity and contribute to the livelihoods of local people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mkabile, Qawekazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Livestock -- South Africa , Livestock -- Monitoring -- South Africa , Livestock -- Remote sensing -- South Africa , Communal rangelands -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96000 , vital:31223
- Description: Communal rangelands provide habitat to many plants and animals. However, there is evidence that livestock cause range degradation. Range degradation occurs because livestock select grazing based on the availability of resources such as water and forage material, their use of the landscape is non-uniform, consequently causing resource deterioration. Range management is thus necessary because communities depend on range condition for livestock productivity. However, precise quantification of livestock distribution within communal rangelands is lacking. In developed countries, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) collars have been used to monitor wildlife and domestic livestock in pastures and seem to have worked efficiently. However, in a developing country like South Africa, GPS technology to monitor animal behaviour has been used only for wildlife on privately owned land. The high costs of monitoring livestock herds in large open areas such as communal rangelands have resulted in little or no monitoring of domestic livestock using GPS technology. This study links monitored livestock distribution to physical landscape variables in Mgwalana, and uses the modelled relationship to predict livestock distribution in quaternary catchments, T12A and T35A-E. The research addresses the questions (1) where do livestock spend time in the wet and dry seasons? And (2) how can areas of potential livestock distribution be identified in other catchments where actual distribution is unknown? Livestock were tracked during the wet and dry seasons using GPS collars. The resulting distribution data is combined with selected physical landscape variables to identify selectivity. The GPS location data and the physical landscape variables are used to predict potential livestock distribution where distribution is unknown in quaternary catchments (T12A and T35A-E). The ArcGIS Predictive Analysis Tool (PAT) was used to extract the selected landscape variable ranges based on the GPS location data and identify areas with the same conditions in the quaternary catchments were subsequently selected. The key findings are that livestock prefer accessible areas with gentle terrain near water sources, avoiding south-facing slopes which receive less solar radiation and tend to be cooler. Livestock are attracted to vegetation in riparian zones. Rural communal lands are dominated by poverty, and land-based livelihood strategies can potentially contribute to the well-being of the community. Therefore, understanding livestock distribution can contribute to a rangeland management strategy aimed at improving range condition which could increase livestock productivity and contribute to the livelihoods of local people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Reimagining constructions of gender dysphoria: a dual systematic review using analytical psychology’s concept of individuation
- Authors: Couch, Matthew
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender identity disorders , Gender identity , Individuation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MScoSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95184 , vital:31125
- Description: The process of conceptualization has long served to capture and represent our perceptions of the social world. Conceptual categories help to make sense of subjective experiences, and through discursive practices may come to construct conventional frameworks of knowledge. Consequently, frameworks operating as natural and immutable run the risk of ignoring the dynamic and diverse experiences of many individuals. Today, conceptual frameworks for gender identity are found as inadequately representing progressive social views on the existence of gender identities manifesting outside of the prevailing male-female binary. Within this space of conceptual contention, the diagnostic category of gender dysphoria has received considerable inspection and critique. In particular, it has been criticised as fundamentally controversial by classifying issues of identity within a clinical framework and, consequently, as contributing to the pathologization of all gender diverse individuals. Thus, efforts to reconceptualise and reimagine gender dysphoria may be found. In this research the concept of individuation, as understood within a framework of analytical psychology, is discussed as a potential consideration in reimagining the concept of gender dysphoria. An overarching framework of social constructionism was adopted within this research in examining how constructions of conventional knowledge come about through regulatory discursive and performative practices. The theoretical orientation of analytical psychology was used to frame the concept of individuation and its application to gender dysphoria. This perspective consulted queer theory as a further critical orientation toward the construction of gender identity. The chosen methodology took form as a dual systematic review using critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) to construct representative frameworks. Psychological literature on gender dysphoria (review 1) and individuation (review 2) was reviewed and synthesised. Review 1 identified conceptual inferences within the literature and assessed their role toward problematic gender discourse, while review 2 served as a contributory tool to critically assess whether the conceptual space was accommodating of the concept of individuation. Findings in review 1 identified contemporary gender dysphoria literature as reinforcing of problematic gender discourse. The prevailing clinical framework on gender dysphoria and gender nonconformity was iterated through conceptual constructs emphasising an experience of pathological distress or life dissatisfaction. As such, a cyclical pathologization of gender diversity is reconstructed through current representations within the literature. However, it was deduced that there are signs of resistance in the literature to the clinical model which challenge and counter the impact of problematic gender discourse. In review 2, individuation was framed by the literature as an intrapsychic facilitator supporting the integration of all aspects particular to the individual personality so that conscious identity becomes congruent with internal nature. Resultantly, one may experience psychosocial maturation and contribute to collective societal progression. For some, individuation prompts a differentiation from collective expectations in integrating one‘s inherent nature into expressed identity. Thus, gender nonconformity may be viewed as an expression of this differentiation when individuation drives the realization of this feature to be intrinsic and natural for the individual. Individuation was determined as incompatible with the category of gender dysphoria, but of value within the conceptual space where efforts to reimagine gender dysphoria are in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Couch, Matthew
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender identity disorders , Gender identity , Individuation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MScoSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95184 , vital:31125
- Description: The process of conceptualization has long served to capture and represent our perceptions of the social world. Conceptual categories help to make sense of subjective experiences, and through discursive practices may come to construct conventional frameworks of knowledge. Consequently, frameworks operating as natural and immutable run the risk of ignoring the dynamic and diverse experiences of many individuals. Today, conceptual frameworks for gender identity are found as inadequately representing progressive social views on the existence of gender identities manifesting outside of the prevailing male-female binary. Within this space of conceptual contention, the diagnostic category of gender dysphoria has received considerable inspection and critique. In particular, it has been criticised as fundamentally controversial by classifying issues of identity within a clinical framework and, consequently, as contributing to the pathologization of all gender diverse individuals. Thus, efforts to reconceptualise and reimagine gender dysphoria may be found. In this research the concept of individuation, as understood within a framework of analytical psychology, is discussed as a potential consideration in reimagining the concept of gender dysphoria. An overarching framework of social constructionism was adopted within this research in examining how constructions of conventional knowledge come about through regulatory discursive and performative practices. The theoretical orientation of analytical psychology was used to frame the concept of individuation and its application to gender dysphoria. This perspective consulted queer theory as a further critical orientation toward the construction of gender identity. The chosen methodology took form as a dual systematic review using critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) to construct representative frameworks. Psychological literature on gender dysphoria (review 1) and individuation (review 2) was reviewed and synthesised. Review 1 identified conceptual inferences within the literature and assessed their role toward problematic gender discourse, while review 2 served as a contributory tool to critically assess whether the conceptual space was accommodating of the concept of individuation. Findings in review 1 identified contemporary gender dysphoria literature as reinforcing of problematic gender discourse. The prevailing clinical framework on gender dysphoria and gender nonconformity was iterated through conceptual constructs emphasising an experience of pathological distress or life dissatisfaction. As such, a cyclical pathologization of gender diversity is reconstructed through current representations within the literature. However, it was deduced that there are signs of resistance in the literature to the clinical model which challenge and counter the impact of problematic gender discourse. In review 2, individuation was framed by the literature as an intrapsychic facilitator supporting the integration of all aspects particular to the individual personality so that conscious identity becomes congruent with internal nature. Resultantly, one may experience psychosocial maturation and contribute to collective societal progression. For some, individuation prompts a differentiation from collective expectations in integrating one‘s inherent nature into expressed identity. Thus, gender nonconformity may be viewed as an expression of this differentiation when individuation drives the realization of this feature to be intrinsic and natural for the individual. Individuation was determined as incompatible with the category of gender dysphoria, but of value within the conceptual space where efforts to reimagine gender dysphoria are in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Al-Shabaab and the sources of its resilience and resurgence: Cold War legacies and Jihadism in Somalia
- Authors: Gardiner, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Shabaab (Organization) , Jihad , Cold War -- Influence , Cold War -- Social aspects -- Somalia , Somalia -- Foreign relations , Refugees, Somalian -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63833 , vital:28495
- Description: This study examines the continued development and survival of the group, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin, commonly known as al-Shabaab – which emerged in 2006 as the militant wing of Somalia’s Islamic Courts Union and became an independent group in 2007. The group has survived in spite of the fact that it has endured significant losses of personnel, resources and territory in Somalia. The study examines al-Shabaab’s sources of resilience, resurgence and diversity. To achieve this, the study focused on the narratives of nine Somali nationals living and working in Durban, Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth, who fled their home country as a result of the ongoing violence and instability. Through understanding war as experience and placing the individual and community at the center of analysis, a people-centered approach is developed in understanding the organisation. This allows the study to challenge the state centered approaches to security and International Relations (IR) theory, which is important in the case of an armed, transnational, non-state actor such as al-Shabaab, whose operation and mobilisation requires no territorial base. The study makes use of social constructivism as a theoretical lens, as it provides an alternative way of analysing a non-state actor, specifically within an African context. The study argues that al-Shabaab's war within Somalia and East Africa is a territorial manifestation of a global phenomenon which highlights the importance of understanding its unique history within Somalia and East Africa. Importantly, the study also shows that veterans of the Afghan-Soviet war brought back ideas and tactics which have played a central part in shaping al-Shabaab's ideology and tactics. It is argued that al-Shabaab's process of decentralisation has ensured their survival but also alienated them from the Somali population. It is demonstrated that their insurgent tactics and process of intelligence gathering means that they operate in the shadows, making it difficult to locate them. Furthermore, the study shows that the role of regional actors and the presence of African Union peacekeepers have ensured that they have a constant enemy which provides a sense of cohesion and drive. The study concludes that al-Shabaab exists at a nexus of factors; its survival has and will depend on both domestic and transnational factors. Without the transnational nature of the organisation, al-Shabaab would not have become the organisation it is today. However, the future of al-Shabaab is heavily dependent on the security situation within Somalia. The immediate objectives of the group are focused within Somalia. Therefore, if the state institutions are consolidated within the country and human security levels improve, the organisation will struggle to operate with the same freedom it currently enjoys.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gardiner, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Shabaab (Organization) , Jihad , Cold War -- Influence , Cold War -- Social aspects -- Somalia , Somalia -- Foreign relations , Refugees, Somalian -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63833 , vital:28495
- Description: This study examines the continued development and survival of the group, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin, commonly known as al-Shabaab – which emerged in 2006 as the militant wing of Somalia’s Islamic Courts Union and became an independent group in 2007. The group has survived in spite of the fact that it has endured significant losses of personnel, resources and territory in Somalia. The study examines al-Shabaab’s sources of resilience, resurgence and diversity. To achieve this, the study focused on the narratives of nine Somali nationals living and working in Durban, Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth, who fled their home country as a result of the ongoing violence and instability. Through understanding war as experience and placing the individual and community at the center of analysis, a people-centered approach is developed in understanding the organisation. This allows the study to challenge the state centered approaches to security and International Relations (IR) theory, which is important in the case of an armed, transnational, non-state actor such as al-Shabaab, whose operation and mobilisation requires no territorial base. The study makes use of social constructivism as a theoretical lens, as it provides an alternative way of analysing a non-state actor, specifically within an African context. The study argues that al-Shabaab's war within Somalia and East Africa is a territorial manifestation of a global phenomenon which highlights the importance of understanding its unique history within Somalia and East Africa. Importantly, the study also shows that veterans of the Afghan-Soviet war brought back ideas and tactics which have played a central part in shaping al-Shabaab's ideology and tactics. It is argued that al-Shabaab's process of decentralisation has ensured their survival but also alienated them from the Somali population. It is demonstrated that their insurgent tactics and process of intelligence gathering means that they operate in the shadows, making it difficult to locate them. Furthermore, the study shows that the role of regional actors and the presence of African Union peacekeepers have ensured that they have a constant enemy which provides a sense of cohesion and drive. The study concludes that al-Shabaab exists at a nexus of factors; its survival has and will depend on both domestic and transnational factors. Without the transnational nature of the organisation, al-Shabaab would not have become the organisation it is today. However, the future of al-Shabaab is heavily dependent on the security situation within Somalia. The immediate objectives of the group are focused within Somalia. Therefore, if the state institutions are consolidated within the country and human security levels improve, the organisation will struggle to operate with the same freedom it currently enjoys.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An investigation of the significance of learned helplessness on membership participation in co-operative movements
- Authors: Norman, Paul Deon
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Learned helplessness , Psychology , Black people -- South Africa , Attributional Style Questionnaire , Partician Index , Co-operatives , Helplessness (Psychology) , Black people -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002059
- Description: In this study the psychological phenomenon of learned helplessness is investigated to determine its significance as a characteristic of members of progressive co-operatives within the South African context. Most of the members of these co-operatives are black South Africans. It is argued that because of the country's racial policy, many of the members have become accustomed to a passive response to events in their lives and this gives rise to their failure to utilise the freedom and opportunities of the co-operative structure. The researcher hypothesises that this passive response could be explained in terms of a high level of learned helplessness among co-operative members. Two hypotheses are investigated in this study: Hypothesis 1: Passive co-operative members will have higher levels of learned helplessness than active members. Hypothesis 2:The level of learned helplessness decreases as the length of co-operative members involvement increases. Data collection for this study was carried out by combining a personal interview and a standardised questionnaire (the Attributional Style Questionnaire). To distinguish between the passive and active members, a Participation Index was constructed. The ASQ was translated into Xhosa, adapted for the sample and two translators were employed to conduct the interviews in Xhosa. The sample consisted of 50 black South Africans, many with limited education and was drawn from six co-operatives in the Eastern Cape. No significant differences were found between the active and passive groups in terms of their levels of learned helplessness. Furthermore, the length of involvement in the co-operative had no effect on the level of learned helplessness. No support was found therefore for Hypothesis l and 2. A significant difference, however, was found between active and passive members and the number of months of involvement. This suggests that the length of involvement has an effect on how active members will be in the co-operative. The results of this study indicate that generally the sample does not suffer from learned helplessness. It is argued that Hypothesis 2 is not supported due to confounding variables. The study raises many doubts as to the reliability of the ASQ and the Participation Index used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Norman, Paul Deon
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Learned helplessness , Psychology , Black people -- South Africa , Attributional Style Questionnaire , Partician Index , Co-operatives , Helplessness (Psychology) , Black people -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002059
- Description: In this study the psychological phenomenon of learned helplessness is investigated to determine its significance as a characteristic of members of progressive co-operatives within the South African context. Most of the members of these co-operatives are black South Africans. It is argued that because of the country's racial policy, many of the members have become accustomed to a passive response to events in their lives and this gives rise to their failure to utilise the freedom and opportunities of the co-operative structure. The researcher hypothesises that this passive response could be explained in terms of a high level of learned helplessness among co-operative members. Two hypotheses are investigated in this study: Hypothesis 1: Passive co-operative members will have higher levels of learned helplessness than active members. Hypothesis 2:The level of learned helplessness decreases as the length of co-operative members involvement increases. Data collection for this study was carried out by combining a personal interview and a standardised questionnaire (the Attributional Style Questionnaire). To distinguish between the passive and active members, a Participation Index was constructed. The ASQ was translated into Xhosa, adapted for the sample and two translators were employed to conduct the interviews in Xhosa. The sample consisted of 50 black South Africans, many with limited education and was drawn from six co-operatives in the Eastern Cape. No significant differences were found between the active and passive groups in terms of their levels of learned helplessness. Furthermore, the length of involvement in the co-operative had no effect on the level of learned helplessness. No support was found therefore for Hypothesis l and 2. A significant difference, however, was found between active and passive members and the number of months of involvement. This suggests that the length of involvement has an effect on how active members will be in the co-operative. The results of this study indicate that generally the sample does not suffer from learned helplessness. It is argued that Hypothesis 2 is not supported due to confounding variables. The study raises many doubts as to the reliability of the ASQ and the Participation Index used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
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