psychological assessment,
Founded on a different question
Motivated by a deep interest in human functioning and in response to the limitations of the psychometric approach, Dr Maretha Prinsloo has rigorously explored the way in which people make sense of their world, solve problems, learn and find meaning, to ultimately realise and safeguard themselves and others.
Drawing on these insights she has developed a holistic approach to people assessment grounded in validated theoretical models and innovative psychological assessment methodologies. These include simulation exercises and gamified tools that utilise semantic analytics to gauge cognition, values and motivational factors. The results, analysed by algorithmic expert systems, are leveraged to provide a solid foundation for talent management strategies and organisational development initiatives, aimed at enhancing the strategic viability of organisations.
Why theoretical models and simulation
While Psychology is a descriptive science, its predictive power can be enhanced through robust theoretical models; validation against real-life outcomes; test-retest reliability analyses; and contextualisation techniques.
Cognadev’s instruments simulate the cognitive and contextual demands of real work, observe how people actually think rather than what they claim, and resolve results through embedded autonomous semantic analytics, contextualised against the role itself.
1994
Founded
7x7
Dimension framework
5
Continents
1,000+
Enterprise clients
OUR AIMS
Cognadev's talent management aims
Three commitments, defining how the platform operates, what the science delivers, and where the impact lands.
SIMPLIFY
The How
Automated online people assessment, automated scoring, algorithmic interpretation, automated and flexible reporting. Specialised, customised and highly controlled interpretations, delivered through one platform.
DEEPEN
The What (science)
Expert insights and action research; theoretical modelling; state-of-the-art data analytics; world-first assessment methodologies; results visualised through organograms and heatmaps; contextualisation against strategic anchoring.
WIDEN
The Why (impact)
From assessment of people and roles, to interpretation, mapping and visualisation of individual, team, leadership and organisational results. Revealing intellectual capital and cultural diversity, contributing to strategic viability, market leadership and societal sustainability.
Scientific leadership
The people behind the science
Dr Maretha Prinsloo
FOUNDER & SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR
Chartered Psychologist, founder of Cognadev and developer of Cognadev’s theoretical models, psychological assessment methodologies and reporting functionalities over three decades of research and validation.
Dr Paul Barrett
RESEARCH & PUBLICATION PARTNER
Chartered Psychologist, research scientist, author of 120 articles and book chapters, editorial board member of various Journals in Psychology and Psychometrics, Statistician, honorary Professor of Psychology at 2 universities. Involved with the validation of, and publication on, the Cognadev assessments (2012 to 2022).
Dr Riana Prinsloo
RESEARCH & PUBLICATION PARTNER
With an in-depth background in Sociology, Psychology, History and Social Sciences Research Methodologies, she was involved with the creation of the Cognadev Technical Research Manuals; the development of the reporting functionalities of certain Cognadev products; the design and presentation of People Development courses in the corporate context on Analytical and Strategic Thinking, Creative Leadership and Emotional Intelligence; and the application and research of Talent Management and Organisational Development Solutions.
Accredited practitioners across South Africa, Ireland, Belgium and the Middle East deliver Cognadev programmes to enterprise clients.
Ready to see the science in action?
Book a session with our team and we will walk through the platform on your organisation.