Leisure activity participation models and the level of discourse
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| Other Authors: | , , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1982.
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| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust Copy Link to ProQuest Copy |
| Abstract: | A metatheory from the theory construction literature known as the level of discourse was explored to see if it could aid reseachers in the initial selection of variables for a model. Since substantive theory and the empirical literature do not always direct variable selection, it can be problematic to the researcher. The level of discourse theory asserts that all variables in a model should generalize, and only generalize, to the same set of particulars. Leisure researchers interested in participation have focused their attention either on populations made up of participants and nonparticipants or on subpopulations comprised of participants in an activity. Sometimes models have been constructed which utilize both population and subpopulation variables. The study postulated that when the independent and dependent variables in a leisure activity participation model are at the same level of discourse, then the empirical utility of the model is enhanced vis-a-vis a model which incorporates independent and dependent variables having different levels of discourse. The theory was evaluated by using inferential statistical analyses on park going and golf survey data. Models with (1) population level independent and dependent variables; (2) population level independent and subpopulation level dependent variables; (3) subpopulation level independent and dependent variables; and, (4) subpopulation level independent and population level dependent variables were examined. Moderate support for the theory resulted from these analyses. In addition, the level of discourse theory was tested by using the technique of empirical cumulation with the leisure activity participation literature to determine if those models with variables at the same level of discourse had greater empirical utility than those models which combined variables at different levels of discourse. The analysis revealed that the results of 15 of the 18 models which were published in the two major leisure journals collaborated with those projected by the level of discourse theory. Furthermore, the theory provided a framework which synthesized apparent contradictions and controversies emerging from this body of literature. Given the results of the inferential statistical analyses and the empirical cumulation it was concluded that the level of discourse theory provides a useful decision rule for selecting variables for a model. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Recreation and Resources Development." |
| Physical Description: | xi, 160 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-143). |