A Cognitive Approach to Understanding the Conceptual Structure of the Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services Field

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare a cognitive approach (pile-sort technique) and an attitudinal approach (Importance-Performance type analysis) to understanding the conceptual structure of the parks, recreation, and leisure services field to determine if differences in results existed between the two measures. Leisure studies management students (N = 19), public recreation managers (N=20), and leisure studies academicians (N = 19) categorized the concepts contained in the NRPA Accreditation Standards according to their similarity. The similarity data was used to generate a hierarchical clustering solution for each group. The measurement and analysis of the structure of the content domain allowed for alternative explanations for the few differences among the three groups uncovered by the Importance-Performance analysis, and illuminated other areas where discrepancies may exist. These findings suggest the need for further study of recreation practice from a cognitive perspective.

Key words:

• Professional preparation
• Theory-practice
• Conceptual domain
• Cognitive structure

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary Greenwood Parr

Biographical Information

This paper is based on the author's doctoral dissertation written under the direction of Dr. Garry Chick at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.