BookReview.qxd


BOOK REVIEW 100

Reviewed By: Mike Greyling

School of Human and Community Development

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Book Details:

De Vos, A.S. (ed), Strydom, H., Fouche, C.B. & Delport, C.S.L.

(2002).

Research at Grass Roots: For the social sciences and human

services professions. 

Published by Van Schaik Publishers, Pretoria

The contributors to this text have produced a volume of almost

staggering scope given the relatively small size of the text. The

text covers most of the content of an advanced course in research

design, and deals with both qualitative and quantitative

approaches to research in a reasonably equivalent manner.

The examples, content and style of the text suggest that it would

be most appropriate for individuals in Social Work, Allied

Medical and other helping professions. The content is, however,

sufficiently broad to be of relevance to most researchers in the

social sciences. The level of the text would suggest that it is most

appropriate for post-graduate students, although undergraduate

material is also covered in reasonable detail.

The most impressive aspect of the text is its scope and most

researchers in the social sciences will find areas of relevance to

their work. In addition the layout is such that a researcher can

find guidance on his/her research method from the point of

choosing a topic right through to information on how to write

the research report. In particular it is very helpful to have

sections on the preparation of a research proposal and

developing of a literature review. From the perspective of the

field of psychology, the text does not provide adequate coverage

of psychometrics and statistics and these issues would require

additional support material.

In addition to the general research theory presented, there are

also a number of chapters highlighting some common (and less

common) research and analysis techniques. These include

programme evaluation, participatory action research and

grounded theory. 

The breadth and scope of the text does have some negative

consequences and the obvious consequence is that several topics

are not covered in a great deal of depth. In some cases the choice

of content does not seem entirely coherent with the rest of the

text. For example the first chapter on the nature and status of

professions has little obvious impact on research methodology. 

The are also unfortunately some lapses in rigour – such as the

incorrect description of the meaning of a p-value in frequentist

statistical theory and the use of (R) to denote both random

assignment and random selection in the section on quantitative

designs. This section would also have been more helpful if the

authors had focussed on general principles rather than

cataloguing a whole range of designs.

The style of writing is at times turgid and often relies on

secondary quotes to define and introduce new concepts. While

this approach allows the reader to link with other texts, the

continual changes in style and language make the book

difficult to read. 

On the whole the text provides a broad overview of the research

field and the organisation of the chapters in helpful in guiding a

researcher through the process of research, while allowing the

reader aiming for specific knowledge to easily identif y the

relevant sections.

AVIATION PSYCHOLOGY

During the course of 2003 a number of people involved in aviation in general and others engaged in human

wellness specifically, met to discuss Aviation Psychology and the way forward.

It was agreed to meet during the conference of PsySSA in October to discuss matters.

At the end of this meeting a working group/project team was nominated and mandated to take matters forward, to

meet, deliberate and report to all interested parties and persons.

This first work meeting took place 12 November at Rand Airport.  In attendance were:

� Prof. Johann Coetzee, Practising Industrial and Aviation Psychologist, Professor at Business School, University of the

Free State

� Lt Col Greta Bath (M.A. Psychology) – Counseling Psychologist

� Lt Col Lex Rock Heemstra (B.Comm Industrial Psychology) – Senior Staff Officer Aviation Safety Training, SA

Air Force

� Johan de Beer (M.A. Psychology) – Psychologist – Executive – Aerospace Chamber:  Transport seta.

� Trevor Reynolds, (M.A. Clinical Psychology) – Senior Staff Officer, Doctrine Development: Health, SA Air Force.

The first draft agenda focused on matters, inter alia:

� Purpose, focus and definition

� Terms of reference

� Professional boundaries

� Contact, consultation and communication.

After much deliberation it was agreed to now communicate to all stakeholders as well as any other interested or

involved persons or organisations affected by Aviation Psychology.

This memorandum invites participation and contributions on matters as reflected above, all of which ultimately

focus on Human Factor Proficiency and Wellness as they contribute to flight safety.

At this stage there are no pre-conceived nor finite definitions, practices or recommendations.  This is a consultative

phase during which the committee will receive all contributions, process such data and then only commence to

formulate draft definitions, terms of reference and the dynamic of expansive and specific consultation.

For some organisations and individuals this phase will be of interest only.  We wish not to exclude anybody and

hence this expansive strategy.  Those who wish to participate must please communicate in writing to:

profjjlc@mweb.co.za, who will receive such contributions on behalf of the committee.

We thank you for your assistance in defining and potentially formalising Aviation Psychology in South Africa.

JOHANN COETZEE

Tel: (011) 827-5503/Fax: (011) 824-3759