Employment Trends In Research Psychology In South Africa : 1976- 1998.
This study invest igated the demand trends in the employment of psychology graduates - with specific reference to research psychology - in South Africa from 1976 to 1998. A total of 5769 advertisements appearing in the Sunday Times and the Mail and Guardian were analysed. Results indicated that there has been an increase in demand for research skills coupled with a decrease in demand for technical psychosocial skills (psychodiagnosis, psychotherapy and psychometrics) . In addition, there has been an increase in demand for graduates with a background in research and community psychology to work in the public sector and in social welfare and development environments. These results are discussed in the light of other studies, which suggest an increased demand globally for research skills and service professionals. The implications of these results for the planning of psychology curricula suggest that career-oriented studies could concentrate on research skills and exposure to social welfare and development contexts, thereby ensuring that the demand for these skills is met.