Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences - Theses
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ItemA dynamic testing approach to attitude change( 1976)The problem of measuring attitude change was approached within the framework of computer simulation and a computer assisted positive feedback research programme. A dynamic psychological testing procedure was developed to explore the cognitive components of traditional managerial decision making in farm management. The procedure incorporated a complex computer simulated farm, which the subject was asked to manage. His management decisions were then examined using Kelly's Repertory Grid Test, (REP grid), which was processed immediately on a portable computer terminal, and the results displayed in graphic format. The subject was then asked to examine the results and make further comment on their accuracy as representations of his management strategy. To develop the dynamic testing procedure, the theory of metric and non-metric multidimensional scaling was closely examined. An appropriate methodology was derived to generate an easily interpreted graphic display of the multidimensional analysis results. Using Kelly's Theory of Personal Constructs as a model, it was hypothesised that the logic of decision making, derived from practical farm experience and tradition, has management strategies incompatible with newer economic decision making models which form the basis of farm management education courses. Specifically, modern management theory postulates a simple optimising strategy in decision making, based on economic principles, whereas the farmer claims economic management is only a small part of overall farm management. An examination of the research literature into psychological and sociological criterion variables underlying farm management showed a failure to produce significant or consistent results of social indicators of good management. To test and develop the dynamic testing procedure, twelve farmers were selected for individual in depth counselling sessions in which the results of their REP grid tests were made available to them within minutes of test completion. It was argued that when people are able to externalise their own cognitive processes, they are better able to understand how they act, and, accordingly, incorporate new concepts into their cognitive system. This would seem a more appropriate approach to adult education, where traditionally external models are often superimposed on existing cognitive structures without any attempt to integrate experience with theory. In the case of farm management education, newer economic theories have met with poor acceptance to date by the farming community because of a poor understanding of this basic educational principle. The results suggest that the dynamic testing procedure has considerable application potential in the fields of adult education, attitude theory research and clinical counselling.