The viability of perceptual analysis in predicting social impacts : a case study

• Main Author: Priilaid, David A
• Other Authors: Dewar, Neil
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2016
• Subjects: Students - South Africa - Mowbray - Public opinion; Forest Hills (University of Cape Town residence) - Public opinion
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17235

Includes bibliographical references. === While no one impact is identical to the next, the case of the University of Cape Town's purchase and take-over of two local flat complexes; Forest Hills and Liesbeek Gardens; represented a unique opportunity to compare two impacts analogous in all respects but time. Because one impact had already occurred and the other had not yet begun, the accuracy of social impact predictions could thereby be assessed. Through the use of self-administered questionnaires, the local perceptions of Forest Hills and local cognitions of Liesbeek Gardens were drawn out and compared. So doing, this study concludes that perceptions of potential impact show little correspondence to the actuality of such an impact should it occur without intervening mitigatory initiatives. Since pro-active planning procedures rely to a large degree on the accuracy of impact prediction, such findings suggest strategic flaws within the analytical framework of Social Impact Assessment. Included within the qualitative findings of this report are recommendations as to how the conflict stemming from these impacts might be resolved.