Empowering Learning Transfer: How Chatbots are Revolutionising Intimate Partner Violence Prevention in South Africa

Empowering Learning Transfer: How Chatbots are Revolutionising Intimate Partner Violence Prevention in South Africa

Emma Weber

With the advancements in AI technology and chatbots in learning and different sectors, a lot of fascinating ideas and solutions are being shared. One of which is from a research collaboration shared with me by Dr. Chris Webber in one of our recent conversations. The study delves into the realm of utilising chatbots to address intimate partner violence (IPV) among young women in South Africa. In Australia, we would call this Domestic Violence. The study, led by the Behavioral Insights Team, Praekelt.org, Wits University, and the University of North Carolina, introduces a game-changing approach through a WhatsApp chatbot intervention known as ChattyCuz. The tool aims to enhance learning transfer and promote healthy relationship behaviours among participants.

Putting the Chatbot to the Test

The research findings highlight the impact of the gamified version of ChattyCuz in reducing IPV exposure and fostering positive attitudes towards power equity in relationships. It incorporates elements of behavioural science and interactive engagement. The chatbot empowers users to identify unhealthy relationship behaviours, seek support from trusted individuals, and prioritise their safety. These outcomes not only demonstrate the effectiveness of chatbot interventions but also underscore the potential for technology to drive behavioural change and improve learning outcomes. All very interesting.

This will clearly have powerful and positive implications for the future of IPV prevention.

For those eager to explore the full research article and delve deeper into the implications for learning transfer and behaviour change, we invite you to read the study on PLOS Digital Health.

Thanks again to Chris for the share – always great be collaborating with others passionate about transfer.

Emma Weber is a recognized authority on the transfer of learning. As CEO of Lever–Transfer of Learning, she has helped companies such as Telstra, Oracle and BMW deliver and measure tangible business results from learning. She has also been a guest speaker at learning effectiveness conferences worldwide and authored the hugely successful book “Turning Learning into Action“. Much more detail around the issues and solutions examined in this article are available in the book – please feel free to download a free chapter. Emma and her team also developed Coach M, a coaching chatbot that delivers fully scaleable learning transfer. She is also a co-author of the books Making Change Work, and Designing Virtual Learning for Application and Impact. Her work and approach is also featured in Data and Analytics for Instructional Designers by Megan Torrance (Author), Foundations of People Metrics and Analytics – by Renjini Joseph and an ATD 10-minute case study series – Chatbot Coaching for Learning Transfer.