The role of peer educators in the peers' negotiation of sexual decisions : a Wits University case study.
Date
2011-06-23
Authors
Cooper, Silvie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research report presents the research topic and the discussion and motivations
behind the chosen subject area and case study selection relating to the research study of
“how peer educators assist their peers in negotiating sexual decisions: a Wits
University case study”. The report will outline the literature review that was
undertaken to develop the theoretical framework underpinning this project, which
incorporated elements of behavioural change, social identity, knowledge dissemination
and life-cycle theories. The research questions guiding the research project are then
presented. The report goes on to assess the ways in which socialization sources and
agents shift in influence and importance during different phases of social life.
Following this, the details of the study will be outlined, including the methodology
comprising research design, methods, sampling techniques used and ethical
considerations involved in conducting this research project. The usefulness of diaries in
capturing personal narratives when conducting informal peer education is discussed in
this section. Next the findings arising from the data collection phase of this research
project will be presented and analysed into four interrelated themes. These include
“The social environment of student life at Wits University”; “Peer educators’ social
identity and its influence on informal peer education interactions in different contexts”;
“Just Jokes- Icebreakers, Innuendo, Teasing, Tantalising and Talking- The influence of
humour in informal peer education” and “The multi-dimensional continuum of
discussion”. Finally the conclusions and programmatic recommendations arising from
this research study are given.