Abstract
M.Phil. ( Industrial Psychology)
Orientation: The aim of this study was to frame psychological testing in a specific and clear
manner that is grounded in beneficence. This could potentially be used to positively
contribute toward the development, control, and use of psychological testing in South Africa.
This was attained by looking at psychological testing through a beneficence lens, so that it is
grounded beyond the preventative stance of regulation, in beneficence. The principle of
beneficence was explained to the participants, who were then encouraged to approach
psychological testing from a beneficence perspective.
Research purpose: Despite considerable literature existing on the moral principle of
beneficence in various contexts, there is restricted research on its association with
psychological testing. Hence, this study explored how to ground psychological testing in the
moral principle of beneficence, for application in the South African workplace. This was
formulated to explore the essence of beneficence as positively contributing to the welfare of
others, from which actions were identified to promote understanding in grounding
psychological testing in this regard.