ERIC Number: EJ1419600
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2354-2160
EISSN: N/A
Towards an Afro-Centric Model of Cognitive Assessment: Examining the Current Psychological Assessment and Placement Practices of Children with Disabilities
Stanley Makuvaza; T. Chataika; J. Chidindi
African Educational Research Journal, v12 n1 p21-27 2024
This study explored implications of incorporating African epistemologies into psychometric testing to strengthen cultural relevance and accuracy of assessment. Focus group discussions were conducted with 20 specialist teachers in Marondera, Zimbabwe to qualitatively examine perceptions of intelligence and test constructs. Additionally, 5 educational psychologists participated in interviews regarding integrating indigenous knowledges. Discussions were thematically analysed to discern constructs meriting attention. Key findings indicated that psychometric testing exhibits limitations by often disregarding communalist epistemologies and prioritising of oral tradition, holism, spirituality and creativity in African worldviews. Participants highlighted risks of misrepresentation when such tenets remain unaddressed. Constructs were elucidated warranting respect in emic-valid assessments. While initial findings suggest recognising discussed, African epistemologies holds potential to help address core validity issues. Future mixed methodology research partnerships with experts are recommended. This includes qualitatively defining constructs, then quantitatively validating inclusion into standardised, culturally-sensitive composite measures upholding scientific standards. Ongoing refinement may help psychometrics authentically evaluate diverse populations' capacities in an inclusive, accurate manner.
Descriptors: Cognitive Tests, Indigenous Knowledge, African Culture, World Views, Cultural Relevance, Culture Fair Tests, Psychometrics, Foreign Countries, Specialists, Educational Psychology, Disabilities, Children
Net Journals. 25 Akintola Road, Sapele, Delta State, 331107, Nigeria. e-mail: service@netjournals.org; Web site: https://www.netjournals.org/aer_index.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Zimbabwe
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A