http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
dynamic nature of recreational specialization
xiv, 177 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm.
Using a longitudinal sample of serious birdwatchers (members of the American Birding Association), this dissertation examined three issues related to recreational specialization and these issues were written as three self-contained papers. The first paper was devoted to testing a three dimensional measurement model of recreational specialization using confirmatory factor analysis. The model suggested that recreationists' level of specialization in an activity could be conceptualized and measured in terms of three different dimensions: behavior, skill and knowledge, and commitment. Results showed that the three dimensional measurement model of recreational specialization fit the sample very well. Results from this study supported previous arguments that we need to explore the distinctive impact of each dimension of specialization, rather than using additive indices on various dependent variables. The second paper explored whether or not the ABA members progressed between 1997 and 2002 in terms of behavior, skill, and commitment, and whether or not leisure career contingencies, life course changes, and enduring rewards that the birders experienced during the period impacted their progression. Results showed that the birders tended to stay at the same level of behavioral involvement and commitment, even though they increased slightly in terms of their skill and knowledge. Results also showed that career contingencies, life course changes, and enduring rewards did not explain much variation of change among the birders. This was probably due to the fact that the birders included in this study were in the establishment and maintenance stages of their leisure career. The third paper developed and tested a model that showed the benefits and costs of specialization. Specifically, the paper conceptualized enduring rewards and lack of self-determination as a benefit and a cost of specialization. Overall, results from this study suggested that recreationists are likely to have more benefits than costs as they become specialized in an activity. Future research can test whether or not the model used in this study can be applied to examine costs and benefits of specialization in other activities such as fishing, hunting, mountain climbing, and so forth.
"Major Subject: Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences".
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 150-156).
Major recreation, park and tourism sciences