An evaluation of a Newspaper advice column as a community Psychology Resource
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Date
2006
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Abstract
This thesis has been concerned with community psychology and in particular, the
promotion of the newspaper advice column as a community psychology resource.
Throughout the world, advice columns provide help and information in thousands of
languages reaching millions of people. This resource is unique in that it is instantly and
repeatedly accessible. This study explored how this resource can be improved and
extended so that it could serve as a valuable community support.
This thesis arose from the work of the author who has been engaged in replying to
readers' concerns in a community newspaper over a period of eight years. The study
takes into consideration the traditional background of readers and the author combines his
personal experience and a professional psychological approach in answering their
concerns.
Various theoretical models in community psychology are presented and newspaper
articles that expound each of these models are examined. Actual articles from
newspapers are quoted and pictorial examples are included in the appendix. The value of
newspapers as a community psychology resource is highlighted.
Both qualitative and quantitative data were elicited. The research design made use of the
Likert scale as an instrument of measure. Questionnaires were completed by readers and
assessments done by colleagues in psychology. Their findings were analysed and
presented as a summary of recommendations on how the advice column can best serve
the community as a resource.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Ph d (Community Psychology) in the Department of Psychology at the
University of Zululand, 2006.
Keywords
Newspaper evaluation