Browsing by Author "Abera, Dame (PhD)"

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    Adults' Variability in Self Acceptance and Personal Autonomy as A Function Of Chronological Age, Sex and Educational Attainment
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Birru, Aster; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    This study was primarily designed with the purpose of investigating the influence of chronological age, sex and educational attainment on adults' selfacceptance and personal autonomy achievements. What is the relationship between self acceptance, personal autonomy, is there a significant difference in adults self acceptance and personal autonomy as a result of their variation by sex and educational level were the major research questions that were formulated to be investigated in the study. In the study population to incorporate the sufficient number of male female well and less educated adults and to realize the satisfactory representation of these important variables to the study, disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was employed. The data was collected from 250 Hawassa university main campus academic and administrative adult staff, who attained a high school or more level education and whose age ranges between 22 and 63. A structured questionnaire consisting of 22 items that are adjusted to assess ones' self perception in comparison with others, the extent of ones' positive and negative feeling about likeable and unlikable aspects of one's personality, positive and negative attitudes about the past and present life experiences including one's accomplishment in life, in general one's ability to acknowledge both aspects of one's true self, were used to measure self acceptance. In the autonomy scale questionnaire 16 statements structured with a 5 point interval level scale ' were used to assess whether most behaviors of participants regardless of cultural and social influences were governed by their own genuine an.d thought full in.terest or regulated by external social pressures. In the process of investigating the influence of the above socio demographic variables on adults self acceptance and personal autonomy the mean score difference between male and female group and among the three educational level group was compared and the association between the age of respondents and their score were observed. Finally, the result indicated the existence of positive association between age and self acceptance. Unlike previously conducted researches' this study indicated a negative relationship between chronological age and personal autonomy. The finding also indicated that the extent of adults self acceptance and personal autonomy increases as they move up the educational hierarchy. In terms of gender difference the study found that there is a comparable ability between male and female adults in both self acceptance and personal autonomy dimensions. Generally, the finding highlights how some socio demographic variables affect adults self acceptance and personal autonomy. It is also insight the need for future research in particular about different dimensions of psychological and subjective well being to contribute for adults psychological health and life satisfaction enhancement.
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    Analysis of Suicide Attempt Cases Treated at the Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital of Addis Ababa)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2009-06) Mulugeta, Hewan; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was to find out perceived precipitants and psychological experiences of suicide attempters and the treatment available to them at the Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital of Addis Ababa. Five people who had attempted suicide (3 male, 2 female), their parents or care givers as well as two Psychiatrists who had direct involvement with the suicide attempters were conveniently selected from in-patients of Amanuel Mental Specialized hospital as participants of this study. Data for the study was collected through interview and from patients' medical files. Qualitative case study research was used to analyze the data gathered. Results of the study showed that psychiatric illness was the main cause for the suicide attempts made by the participants. Psychiatric illnesses as depression, schizophrenia, psychosis and some others as mild retardation and epilepsy were the diagnosed causes of suicide attempts. Some factors to whom the causes were attributed in the suicide attempters were stressful life events, being dependent or unemployed and hereditary factors. Hopelessness, worthlessness, suspiciousness, sadness and anger were the psychological experiences encountered by the suicide attempters which were directly related to the diagnosed psychiatric illnesses in some of the participants . As to available services at the Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, psychotherapy and medical treatments were attended by all suicide attempters. Antidepressants, Antipsychotics and ECT (Electro Compulsive Treatment) were types of medication which were made available for the suicide attempters. Individual, group and family therapy were also given for the suicide attempters. It was recommended that curing the already inflicted psychological problems and trying to address the precipitants of suicide to be important intervention strategies to prevent further suicide cases.
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    Comparative Study on Certain Personality Characteristics and Attitudes toward Corrections Between Convicts of Homicide and Non-Criminal Groups in Hawassa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2009-06) Worku, Manaminosh; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was to compare certain personality characteristics and attitudes toward corrections of convicts of homicide and non-criminals in Hawassa_ And the research questions were the following_ 1. Is there statistically significant difference in personality characteristics between convicts of homicide and non criminals? 2 . Is the re s tatistically significant difference in a ttitudes towal-d corrections bet ween convicts of h omicide and non criminals? 60 homicides were randomly selected from Hawassa correction center. And 60 non-criminals were purpos ive ly s elected at the same t own. Two types of questionnaires (the Big Five personality questionnaire and attitude questionnaire) were used to gather information. Analysis of the data was made using quantitative methods. In order to determine each group's personality characteristic and attitude towards corrections, the observed sample mean was compared with expected mean or average mean. Independent t-test was also run to determine their difference. The results of the study revealed that, the majority of convicts of homicide and non criminals were extroverts and there was no significant difference in extraversion between these groups. However, the majority of non-criminals were agreeable while most convicts of homicides were not agreeable and there was statistically significant difference. Consequently, both groups were open to experience and there was no significant difference in openness between these groups. The majority of convicts of homicide were >'lot emotionally sable where as the majority of non-criminals were emotionally stable and statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Even though the majority of convicts of homicide and non-criminals were conscientious, there was significant difference in conscientiousness between these two groups_ The results of the study also revealed that, though the majority of convicts of homicide and non-criminals had positive attitude toward corrections there was significant difference in attitudes between the groups. In accordance with the findings and conclusions, recommendations were forwarded.
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    Comparative Study on Certain Personality Characteristics and Attitudes Toward Corrections Between Convicts of Homicide and Non-Criminal Groups in Hawassa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2009-06) Worku, Manaminosh; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was to compare certain personality characteristics and attitudes toward corrections of convicts of homicide and non-criminals in Hawassa_ And the research questions were the following_ 1_ Is there sta tistica lly s ignificant difference in p ersonality characteristics between convicts of homicide a nd non criminals? 2 _ Is t here statis tically significant d ifference in attitudes t oward corrections between convicts of homicide and non criminals? 60 homicides were randomly selected from Hawassa correction center_ And 60 non-criminals were purpos ive ly selected at the same town_ Two typ es of questionnaires (the Big Five personality questionnaire and attitude questionna ire) were used to gather information_ Analysis of the data was made using quantitative methods_ In order to determine each group's personality characteristic and attitude towards corrections, the observed sample mean was compared with expected mean or average mean_ Independent t-test was also run to determine their difference_ The results of the study revealed that, the majority of convicts of homicide and non criminals were extroverts and there was no significant difference in extraversion between these g roups_ Howe ve r, the maj ority of non-criminals were agreeable while most convicts of homicides were not agreeable and there was statistically significant difference. Consequently, both groups were open to experience and there was no significant difference in openness between these groups. The majority of convicts of homicide were not emotionally sable where as the majority of non-criminals were emotionally stable and statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Even though the majority of convicts of homicide and non-criminals were conscientious, there was significant difference in conscientiousness between these two groups. The results of the study also revealed that, though the majority of convicts of homicide and non-criminals had positive attitude toward corrections there was significant difference in attitudes between the groups. In accordance with the findings and conclusions, recommendations were forwarded.
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    Factors Affecting Academic Performance Of Grade 12 Students of Government and Private Preparatory Schools in Akaki Kaliti Sub City Administration (Addis Ababa)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2017-06) Abebe, Asrat; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The research was conducted to asses and compares the academic performance of grade 12 students of government and private preparatory schools in Akaki Kaliti Sub City administration. The study used descriptive research design 44(100%) teachers, 85(77.98%) grade 12 students out of 109(15%) the assumed and sampled and 15(50%) of experts and supervisors were selected using simple random sampling whereas 37(84%) out of 44(100%) assumed PSTA members have been selected using comprehensive sampling method. Respectively 4(100%) and 8(100%) principals and vice principals and 5(100%) FGD participants were also included using purposive sampling technique. Totally 198(86.4%) stakeholder respondents participated in the study. The researcher also used observation, secondary evidences and primary data using questionnaire and interview data gathering instruments have been used. The collected primary data was analyzed quantitatively (using number and percentage and followed by verbal interpretation) and the qualitative data was analyzed in words. According to the findings of the study, numbers of affecting factors of the academic performance of students have been identified among which the major ones were as follow. Fundamentally government schools were not opened and started the actual teaching learning process accordingly with the calendar. Teachers lack putting participatory way of presentation and continuous assessment in to an effect and efficient, they (teachers) also over emphasized utilizing English language regularly for medium of instruction they rather dominantly use Amharic language. Mainly government school students have problem of using English language so they couldn’t understand the contents of lessons and consequently their result become in sufficient relativism as compared to students of private schools, Moreover parents whose children learn in government schools have less or weak follow up and support, Due to external intervention, for frequent meeting principals also face problem of investing much of their work time being in the school. Consequently they could not follow up and conduct clinical supervision and give timely feedback for teachers. Majority of government school students seem they do not know why they come to their schools. This showed they lack vision, mission and value of their own. The study showed the result of the study therefore indicated that there was academic performance gap between grade 12 students of governmental and private preparatory schools. This relatively implies that the teaching learning practice and process in governmental schools had drawback as intended as compare to private schools. Hence, it was recommended as all concerned education stakeholders mainly principals of both types of schools are strongly responsible and expected to work with and share best experience/practices and continuously work hard as partnership. Localy concerned bodies and Ministry of Education, higher education institution, private school owners and other non- government schools also need to work cooperatively from preparatory school standard point of view Private school teachers and principals raise issue of education opportunity to upgrade As observation and the existing reality also show almost all the study participant private school teachers and school leaderships did not have second degree and could not fulfill the required standard. They express as they have no way to get opportunity to advance their qualification.
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    The Influence of Informal Groups on Employee’s and Organizations’ Performance: The Case of AMREF Health Africa in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Abera, Million; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    Human is a social being and continues as the part of a group in every field of life from the birth. Group is a community consisting of one or more individuals who interact with each other in order to accomplish a certain goal. The groups are created formally and informally within the organization at different times and for different goals. Those groups have the negative and positive influences on the organizations’ and employee’s performance. Through informal groups in the organization can develop their own norms and influence that may difficulties the objectives of the formal organizational working conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of informal groups on employee’s and organizational performance in Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia. Embedded (mixed) survey was the design used for this study. Three departments were selected program department, Finance and HR & administrative departments and used random sampling technique. The population was 165 employees. Out of this, 116 employees were selected as sample size. The data used for this study included both questioner and interview. Questionnaire with both open-ended and close-ended questions was used to collect the primary data. In terms of analyzing the data collected, both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis were used. Findings from the study confirm that in connection with the status of informal groups and effect of Informal groups on employee’s performance was very high influence on employees and organizational performance. Also Informal Groups’ for organizational task achievement have no significant contribution on performance. In conclusion therefore the existence of informal groups is risky and influential to hinder employee’s and organizations’ performance of Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia. It is therefore recommended that in order to enhance employees and organizations’ performance, heads of managements should implement proper formal communication channel to make sound decision and to have equal job opportunities within the organization, discourage informal group’s participative discussions on employees and organizations’ task related issue, eliminate conflict between management and employees in related to informal groups influence and make it transparency an organizational culture and norm
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    The Process of Mate Selection and the Problem of Cohabiting Couple 50 Adjustment ·for Marriage Contract in the Case of Debre Markos Town
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-07) Belay, Habtamu; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    This paper examines the process of mate selection and the problem of cohabiting couple's adjustment for marriage contract in case of Debre Markos town. Data were gathered by using questionnaire and interview. The items were scales of mate selection, reason for cohabitation and cohabiting couple's adjustment problem of marnage contract and the interview supplement the questions raised in the questionnaire. Hundred eight (55 male and 53 female) participani:s were selected. Among the total respondents (91%) of the respondents were orthodox Christians and the majority of the participants were grown up in a middle class family which accounts (72%). Comparison of mean difference, linear regression and t-test were computed to analyze the data. The major criteria to choose a potential mate in Debre Markos were economic capacity (M=23.3,sd=.70), and persona! characteristics (22.B,sd=.336). There is no significant difference between men and women in mate selection criteria (t (98) = 1.89, P>0.05. At the same time these five criteria together do have very high predictive power that accounts R2 = .974. That means the fiw criteria of mate selection together can predict 97.4% of mate selection. The result on reasons for cohabitation revealed that people cohabit primarily for convenience purpose (M= 3.02, sd = .73). Racial background (M=3.24, sd= .58), unrealistic concept of expenditure (M=3.lB, sd=4.l5) and fear of birth before marriage (M=3.lB, sd=4.l5) were the major adjustment problems of cohabiting couples for maniage contract.
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    Psychological well-being of Married Couples; in Addis Ketema Sub City, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-12) Yimam, Mohammed; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The major purpose of the present study was to assess the Psychological well-being of Married Couples; Addis Ketema Sub city Addis Ababa. A mixed methods research design was employed. For this purpose, 171 participants were selected through simple random, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques. Psychological wellbeing scales (Ryff, 1989) with demographic questions were used using both quantitative (questionnaire scales) and qualitative (FGD and Interview) methods. In order to address the basic research questions formulated in the study, data were analyzed using through various statistical techniques which include frequency, percentage, mean, independent sample t-test, one way ANOVA, and post hoc analysis Accordingly. Findings revealed that First; all six psychological dimensions are directly or indirectly a function of one’s financial capability and being cooperative in many of their social affairs. Second, the current study showed that, there was a significant difference concerning couples’ gender and psychological wellbeing. Third, the current study showed that, there was no significant difference between married couple’s age and psychological wellbeing in terms of all six sub levels. Last, psychological wellbeing vary as a function of couples’ educational level, well educated couples tend to endorse good psychological wellbeing often than less educated couples. The study concluded that, psychological wellbeing and all six psychological dimensions are directly or indirectly a function of one’s financial ability. Difference between male and female couples psychological wellbeing was observed. The difference between married couple’s age and psychological wellbeing in terms of all six sub levels was very minimal. Last, psychological wellbeing vary as a function of couples’ educational level. Therefore, Psychologists, social workers, practitioners, health professionals, top government officials, Administrators, researchers and the community at large advised to design and provide comprehensive and effective marriage and psychological wellbeing related planning.
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    The Relationship between Social Identity and Interpersonal Relationship of Addis Ababa University Students: The Case of Main Campus
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Bekele, Dereje; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    Social Identity is playing a significant role in influencing people's interactions either in favorable or unfavorable directions. In view of this fact, therefore, this study was intended to examine the linkage between social identity and interpersonal relationship among Addis Ababa University students as the main objective. To realize the above set objective different components of social identity such as gender, ethnicity, and religion were taken as independent variables and interpersonal relationship as a dependent variable. Hence, the researcher has set research questions to check whether there is relationship between the independent and dependent variables and to determine the prediction power of each predictor variable on the criterion variable. The study was conducted on 338 (113 of them are females) Third and Fourth year undergraduate regular students attending their studies at the main campus of Addis Ababa University during the Academic Year of 2009/2010. The participants were selected by the use of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The study also relied on quantitative method of data collection and analysis. And the researcher used questionnaires as a data collection tool. The participants ' social identity was measured using a 26 items adapted from Aspects of Identity Questionnaire (Cheek, 2002), and their Interpersonal relationship is also measured by a 26 items which was adapted from intergroup interaction scale (Plant, Butz & Taratakovsky.2009). The data were analyzed by Pearson Product Momentum Correlation and Step-wise regression statistical techniques analyzed with the help of Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 13. O. The study revealed that positive and significant relationships were found between all independent variables and the dependent variable. Moreover, gender, ethnic, and religious identities were independent significant predictors of interpersonal relationship. However, among the three independent variables ethnicity was found to be the most prominent determinant of interpersonal relationship among the subjects. Hence, interpersonal relationship of students was mainly dependent on similarity of ethnic background. Finally, the study had suggested some recommendations to address the identified problems.
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    The Role of Social Accountability in Promoting Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Kindu, Getachew; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The major purpose of the present study was to assess the role of social accountability program in promoting social inclusion of vulnerable people in public service delivery at Woreda 4 of Arada sub city.It specifically examinedthe ways and the extent to which social accountability enhances social inclusion of vulnerable groups in public service delivery.In order to address the basic research questions of the study, a descriptive research design was employed. To that effect, the study employed mixed methods in collecting the dataand analysis was made by using both inferential (SPSS version 23.0) and thematic techniques.The selection of samples followed multistage sampling procedure. A total of 95 participants were selected using simple random sampling and stratified random sampling techniques coupled with purposive sampling. Generally, the current study revealedthat social accountability program made a contribution for social inclusion of vulnerable groups (PWDs, people living with HIV/AIDS, elders, women, children, and youth) in the process of public service delivery. Specifically, the findings showed that social accountability program enhanced the basic facets of social inclusion which are active and meaningful participation and access to basic services mainly at health (health center) and education (primary school) services. Accordingly, the present study found out that the social accountability program was successful in enhancing the capacity of vulnerable people, enhancing effective interaction between vulnerable groups (or service users) and public service providers, and attitude and behavioral changes of vulnerable groups towards service providers. In general, based on the findings of the study it is concluded that there is a direct link between Social Accountability and Social Inclusion. This implies that social inclusion of vulnerable people is promoted through social accountability in such a way that enhancedparticipation and access to serviceof vulnerable groups are ensured in public service delivery. Hence, social accountabilityshould be integrated and implemented along with each development initiatives and should be institutionalized in all sectors of the public service. Key words: Social Accountability, social inclusion, participation, public servic, vulnerable groups
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    Sexual Behavior of Adolescents in Single-sex and co-education Schools: The Case of Some Selected High Schools in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Gebresilassie, Rezene; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The purpose of the present study was to assess the sexual behavior of adolescents in single - sex and co-education schools particularly those who are attending class in preparatory schools at Addis Ababa. It specifically examines the relationships among sexual behavior, contraceptive use and sex associated risks of adolescents. The study has used a mixed method research design. A total of 320 participants were selected using stratified random sampling techniques coupled with purposive sampling. More specifically, while the one single sex (boys only) school and informants of FGD and KII were purposively selected, the other three schools were selected through simple random sampling techniques.The respondents of the questionnaire scales were also selected through stratified random sampling. Moreover, both quantitative and qualitative data were generated from using both quantitative (BSAS questionnaire scales) and qualitative (FGD and KII) methods. In order to address the basic research questions, data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, Independent t-test, and ANOVA statistical techniques. Accordingly, the current study generally revealed several important findings about sexual behavior, contraceptive use and sex associated risks, and about their relationships. First, most adolescents become sexually active at around the age 16 and 17. It was also found that the driving forces for initiating sexual intercourse are: peer pressure, falling in love and the need to explore and experiment. Second, most of the adolescents do not use contraceptives when having sexual intercourse. Third, many adolescents are facing sex associated problems such as STDs, unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Fourth, a negative correlation was obtained between sexual behavior scores and sex associated risk factors scores. Fifth, a strong relationship has been found between contraceptive use and school type; Sex Associated Risks and grade level; Sexual Behavior and the age of adolescents. Finally, based on the results of the current study, the following recommendations were forwarded:provision of SRH training and contraceptives like condoms in the school settings; and more researchers should be conducted to see the impact of school types on adolescents’ sexual behavior so as to provide data to policy makers and all stakeholders in the education sector.
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    Sexual Behavior of Adolescents in Single-sex and co-education Schools: The Case of Some Selected High Schools in Addis Ababa.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Gebresilassie, Rezene; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The purpose of the present study was to assess the sexual behavior of adolescents in single - sex and co-education schools particularly those who are attending class in preparatory schools at Addis Ababa. It specifically examines the relationships among sexual behavior, contraceptive use and sex associated risks of adolescents. The study has used a mixed method research design. A total of 320 participants were selected using stratified random sampling techniques coupled with purposive sampling. More specifically, while the one single sex (boys only) school and informants of FGD and KII were purposively selected, the other three schools were selected through simple random sampling techniques.The respondents of the questionnaire scales were also selected through stratified random sampling. Moreover, both quantitative and qualitative data were generated from using both quantitative (BSAS questionnaire scales) and qualitative (FGD and KII) methods. In order to address the basic research questions, data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, Independent t-test, and ANOVA statistical techniques. Accordingly, the current study generally revealed several important findings about sexual behavior, contraceptive use and sex associated risks, and about their relationships. First, most adolescents become sexually active at around the age 16 and 17. It was also found that the driving forces for initiating sexual intercourse are: peer pressure, falling in love and the need to explore and experiment. Second, most of the adolescents do not use contraceptives when having sexual intercourse. Third, many adolescents are facing sex associated problems such as STDs, unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Fourth, a negative correlation was obtained between sexual behavior scores and sex associated risk factors scores. Fifth, a strong relationship has been found between contraceptive use and school type; Sex Associated Risks and grade level; Sexual Behavior and the age of adolescents. Finally, based on the results of the current study, the following recommendations were forwarded:provision of SRH training and contraceptives like condoms in the school settings; and more researchers should be conducted to see the impact of school types on adolescents’ sexual behavior so as to provide data to policy makers and all stakeholders in the education sector.
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    Social Media Usage, Sexual Behavior and Risk Perception Among Adolescents’ of Some Private High Schools in Addis Ababa.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-05) Reshid, Mohammed; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The major purpose of this study was to assess the relationships among adolescents’ Social media usage, sexual behavior and risk perception. A descriptive survey was employed as a study design. Questionnaire was used to gather data from a random sample of 300 (150 male and 150 female) students of grade 9 th through 12 th in the selected five private high schools of Bole sub- city. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA and correlations were used to analyze quantitative data. Descriptive statistics revealed that entertainment, communication with people far away and making companionship (34.3%, 20% & 16%) were the major reasons to school adolescents’ social media usage respectively. Weak positive correlation was found between social media usage and sexual behavior [r (298) = .222, P < .05]. However, sexual behavior was moderately correlated with the frequency use of social media sites used [r (298) = .694, P= <0.05]. Descriptive statistics found that the majority (61.3%) of the respondents had high risk perception while 30.7% of the respondents had low risk perception to social media usage. When looking in to the conclusion, adolescents’ sexual behavior in relation to social media usage by default had weak positive correlation. However, their sexual behavior was moderately correlated with the frequency use of social media sites. Hence, among the practical recommendations forwarded, School administrators and teachers should plan and advise school students to use social media sites for educational issues than entertainment, or for companionship. Also, school students should be aware that using social media sites frequently boost to enter sexual behavior
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    Type and Prevalence of Psychosocial Problems Presented to Witches and Proposed Solutions: A Case Study in Dessie Town
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Mekonen, Getachew; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The purpose of this study was to determine the types and prevalence of psychological problems presented to witches and proposcd sol utions. To achieve these objectives, data were collected from some s e1ectcd individuals who have gone and consulted witches. Indepth interview were held wi th all the respondents using interview guide. In addition data was served from Dessie Ilighcr Court and from Dessie Police Station. The participants were purposefully select cd and the data werc analyzed qualitatively. An effort was made to probc in to witchcraft belief in the culture within which it operates, types, prevalence or psychological problems presented to witches, solution methods. The result of the present study shows that witch is often considered as, a wise person, who is an expcrt in making herbal remedies, and who possessed the ultimate remedies of all human problems. Witchcran is mainly considered as a positive cultural tradition and an easy explanation of the ill s of life. The result revealed also that the local people consult witches for every type of' health problems looking for solution; wishing to harm or to make others suiTer li'om misfortunes or diseases looking for charms or spells; to find shortcuts to the social , personal, and emotional perfection they are seeking. Witches are also found to be seen in time of conflict and disagreement between closest. The result of this investi ga tion also revealed that the use of herbs, magic charms and spell casting, forecasting or forete lling, caring out dua, and getting peoples in to an oath were found to be witches methods used to so lve problems presented to them. The result also revealed that witchcraft belicl' was found to be the sources of complex and wide spread problems with significant psychological and social effects on the society. Finally, on the bases of the research findings, the following recommendations have been made: an enlightened reli gion. education, medicine and better social and racial conditions will helps to abolish the beliel·. The local peoples should make more use of social and legal mechanisms for settling their di sputes. They should devote themselves to faith in God, education and hard work to realize one's full potential, and in addition the government has to enforce strong legal sanctions on witchcraft practitioners.
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    Validity of Grade 10 Mathematics Model Exam: In Some Selected Secondary Schools in Oromia Regional State
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-04) Regassa, Fikremariam; Abera, Dame (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was to assess the validity of Grade 10 Math Model Exams by considering some selected secondary schools in Oromia Regional State. Thus, evidences on the content validity and criterion related validity of these exams were gathered and analyzed. In the study, mixed-methods research design was employed. The necessary data were collected from the selected secondary schools by using interview, questionnaire, check-list and document analysis. Questionnaire was administered to 31 teachers currently teach Grade 10 mathematics. Moreover, booklets of Grade 10 Math Model Exams were gathered from the schools and evaluated for appropriateness, relevance and representativeness of the items that were sampled by these exams. By using systematic sampling scores of 230 students on Grade 10 and 12 Math Model Exams, EGSECE and EUEE were also collected and analyzed. The criterion related validity evidences of Grade 10 Math Model Exams were analyzed through correlation and multiple regression analysis accordingly. The findings indicated that the Grade 10 Math Model Exams had moderate criterion related validity but suffered from weak content validity. The main reason for this weakness is that the purpose of the exam was not clearly documented and hence, this situation leads to unsystematic preparation of the exams which results in unintended practices in the education system. Therefore, the study pointed out some directions for possible solutions and suggested for further research in the field.