Archive of Journal
Volume 79, Issue 1, Jan. 2023

THE AHES: A SCALE FOR ASSESSING AVOIDANCE OF POSITIVE EMOTIONS IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.6

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Abstract: Study aspires to measure and validate the Avoidance of Happiness Expressions. Items emerged from literature, previously available tools, and content analysis of interviews. Successive rounds of item modifications and the pilot study produces 27- items, administered to (N=320) participants. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for Avoidance of Happiness Expression Scale (AHES) showed 50.90% variance with 4-factors : Faulty Belief (FB), Emotional Concern (EC), Social Concern (SC), and Interpersonal Concern (IC). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using AMOS-18 affirms the 4-factor model fits well across data. Values for item-analysis ranged from (r = 0.67 - 0.31, p < 0.01). Reliabilities of AHES indicated acceptable ranges for Cronbach alpha (α=.91, **p <.01) and temporal stability for 15-days interval (r = 0.787, **p < 0.01). Construct validity with PANAS-NA (r = 0.309, **p < 0.01), PANAS-PA (r =-0.406, **p < 0.01) and SWLS NA (r = -0.484, **p < 0.01) demonstrates acceptable values. Outcomes of the study indicate that AHES is a multidimensional and self-report instrument with sound psychometric properties to measure levels of avoidance of happiness expressions among the general population.

Author(s): Afreen Faiza

THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN MAINSTREAM ECONOMICS STUDIES

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.3

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Abstract: This paper analyzed the paradigm structure of economics studies and summarized five different forms of paradigm shifts in past economics studies, and revealed the conditions and timing of paradigm shifts in economics studies. If a new research paradigm entailed a broader logical space than the old one, or it could adapt to the socio-economic development level and the pattern of vested interests, it would form and replace the old one. However, the paradigm shift of economics is complicated and repetitive, sometimes even backward, rather than straightforward.

Author(s): sherman XIE

SATURATION IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: QUANTIFYING ITS OPERATIONALISATION

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.7

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Abstract: In qualitative research, data saturation refers to the point at which sufficient data have been collected to represent all possible emergent themes within the phenomena under investigation. Despite numerous guidelines, researchers unnecessarily continue collecting additional data or, alternatively, cease data collection prematurely. The aim of this study was to present the complexities associated with determining the point of saturation, using multiple questions, groups and researchers, as well as actual responses. The research was conducted within a leadership educational setting. Responses were solicited from two cohorts of young adult students enrolled in an intensive 4-week leadership programme. Participants in the study originated from 14 different Southern African countries. A qualitative research method was followed. Three open-ended questions, varying in complexity, were posed to participants in two similar cohorts. In Cohort 1 the scope of the themes in the text was independently determined by three researchers through applying summative content analyses. These themes were then tested in Cohort 2, assessing the prevalence of the themes in the control group. Given the themes identified through this process, the researchers independently determined the saturation point by counting the number of cases which needed to be read in order to account for all the observed themes. Saturation in Cohort 1 was reached much earlier than in Cohort 2. The variance in Cohort 1 was found to be dependent on the complexity of the question, while in Cohort 2 the variance was found to be dependent on the researcher identifying additional themes that did not emerge in Cohort 1. It is concluded that saturation was dependent on both the complexity of the question, the group, and the researcher, and saturation was reached at a margin much higher than those proposed in general guidelines. A policy of ‘more is better’, in terms of cases, seems an appropriate approach.

Author(s): Renier Steyn, Colene Hind


A MODEL FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF ABSENCE OF A WRITTEN LANGUAGE IN THE SANXINGDUI CULTURE

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.2

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Abstract: Since its discovery, the Sanxingdui Culture has been thoroughly investigated by archaeological, sociological, psychological, and geographic scholars to reveal its political, economic, and cultural landscape. However, the absence of written historical materials by this culture has left a mystery that cannot be fully revealed by modern technology. In this study, a mathematical method based on rigorous and logical reasoning was used to eliminate the influence of subjective factors to the greatest extent possible, which has unparalleled advantages, particularly in deducing the evolution of human history in the absence of written historical materials. First, the concept of ownership was established using the proposed mathematical model. The advantages and disadvantages of the public ownership clan economy and that of private ownership slavery were then compared. The comparisons revealed that a private ownership economy based on slavery was an inevitable choice for the Sanxingdui Culture, which resulted in the impossibility of the emergence of a written language. The use of a mathematical model to effectively interpret the mystery of Sanxingdui Culture not only achieves the goal of using mathematical language to bridge the gap between natural and social sciences but also lays a solid foundation for the unified and coordinated development of the two disciplines.

Author(s): Wu Jiaoling, Cheng Xiaofang, Zhang Dong, Wang Jiesheng


INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AS A BLENDED-LEARNING TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.4

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Abstract: The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a blended-learning tool into traditional classroom-based teaching and learning has been shown to improve students' academic performance at globe and is essential to economic development. These claims were investigated in a sample of undergraduate students at the faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Based on the goals of the research , a purposeful sample of students was chosen. It used a mixed-method survey design. A total of 117 students completed the online survey (quantitative component); while a focus group interview with 4 students (qualitative component) was conducted. The findings showed significant barriers to, and affordances of, the use of ICT as a blended-learning tool. In addition, the study discusses student access to ICT devices and internet facilities on campus, student proficiency in using these devices and facilities, and the impact these have on students’ academic activities. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are discussed in the context of graduate career opportunities and national economic sustainable development

Author(s): Aderinsola Eunice Kayode, Lingaliso Linda


AN EXAMINATION OF DIGITAL MARKETING AT A SELECTED HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.1

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Abstract: This study uses digital marketing parameters to examine digital marketing at a selected university in South Africa. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires that were distributed to employees and students. Fifty (50) employees and 100 students participated and non-probability sampling, including convenience sampling and maximum variation, was used. The research findings show that most of the respondents understand that digital marketing positively impacts organisational performance as it improves students’ access to information on course offerings. Over half of the respondents held a moderately positive perception of digital marketing and the members’ ages were likely to impact their perceptions of digital marketing. The research revealed that most respondents recognised that digital marketing can potentially increase business performance. It was further revealed that two-thirds of the selected university respondents acknowledged the importance of digital marketing to connect and build customer relationships. These findings confirm that the university needs to capitalise on the fact that students spend large amounts of time on social media to effectively communicate and market their services on social media. Finally, the research brings to light the need for universities to ensure that their Facebook page and website have the necessary information available and that it links to information that potential students may require.

Author(s): Luleka Velelo, Stenford Matenda


PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS DURING TEACHING PRACTICE

Volume 79, Jan 2023
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.5

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Abstract: Mentorship is a global phenomenon where a skilled individual trains a less experienced individual. Pre-service teachers often learn the necessary skills and knowledge they can use during teaching practice as future teachers. This learning usually requires pre-service teachers (mentees) and in-service teachers (mentors) to establish good and professional relationships where there is support, learning, and professional growth. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of mentoring relationships that mentees form with their mentors during their teaching practice. This study employed a qualitative approach within a case study methodology. Three undergraduate pre-service teachers were purposively selected to generate data on their mentoring experiences, allowing them to form specific relationships with their mentors. Semi-structured interviews were used to generate data from these participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis in conjunction with the Cognitive Apprenticeship Theory (CAT). The findings of the study indicated that mentees were able to establish positive mentoring relationships with their mentors, which were influenced by many factors such as professionalism and prior interaction. However, in certain experiences, participants faced challenges in establishing professional relationships with some of their mentors. Therefore, we concluded that the participants in this study can use what seemed to be negative relationship experiences as learning curves for their future teaching careers. Moreover, the study recommended that agency should be developed with mentees to be able to deal with both positive and negative mentoring relationships.

Author(s): Lerato Hlengiwe Sokhulu, Nomkhosi Nzimande