Applied research and evaluation methods in Recreation / Edition 1

by Diane C. Blankenship

Overview

Apllied Research and Evaluation Methods in Recreaction is the only text that intergrates research, evaluation, and basic statistical analysis and lnks these concepts directly to the recreation field. Using a logical format and accessible language, the book provides students with the foundational knowledge they need in order to move through the reseach process. They'll explore the various tyoes of research commonly used in the feild (including qualitative, quantitative, and action research) and then learn about the steps involved in designing a project, from developing the research problem, reviewing liturature, and identifying variables and hypotheses to defining data—collection tools. Then they'll move on to evaluation concepts, including internal validity, data analysis, and reporting methods.

The author's approach to the material makes this textbook truly uniqure. Each chapter builds on the previous one to clearly explain the steps of the research process and show how all of the concepts are interrelated. Students will learn not only why the steps and concepts are important but also how they relat specifically to the field. Each chapter closes with features that help students apply what they've learned: a case study, exercises, and For the Investigator, and opgoing research project that uses a hypothetical recreation survey to give students realistic practice in recreation research. The text contains many other features that will help students better understand and apply the concepts they've learned. Chapter opening scenarios offere examples of the kinds of research that students might be expected to undertake. Objsectives highlights the key points of each chapter, and a glossary offers easy access to definitions of unfamiliar terms. Professinal Perspectives sidebars describe real research project from current professionals with an explanation of the project's importance to the organization.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900736077193
Publication date:	12/02/2009
Pages:	189
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Diane C. Blankenship, EdD, is an associate professor at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland, where she teaches courses in research methods in the recreation and parks management program. She also serves on the program’s graduate thesis and project committee.

Blankenship has extensive and varied experience, having worked as a professional Boy Scout and a recreation therapist; in residential camps, aquatic facilities, recreation centers, and outdoor recreation facilities; and for the Department of the Army in Germany.

Blankenship has used her skills in recreation and leisure research methods to assist local and state organizations in the evaluation of their programs and facilities and in strategic planning. She is a member of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) and has served numerous times on the conference committee and as the coordinator of data analysis for all conference evaluations. In addition, she serves as a site visitor for the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and as a recreation commissioner for the City of Frostburg.

In her free time, Blankenship enjoys walking rail-trails, knitting, and traveling with her daughter to Native American reservations. She and her husband, Calvin, and their daughter reside in Frostburg.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Research Overview

Chapter 2 The Research and Evaluation Process

Chapter 3 The Research Problem

Chapter 4 Review of Literature

Chapter 5 Variables and Hypotheses

Chapter 6 Ethics in Research

Chapter 7 Sampling

Chapter 8 Instrumentation

Chapter 9 Data Collection Tools

Chapter 10 Internal Validity

Chapter 11 Data Analysis

Chapter 12 The Report

Interviews

A text for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a research or evaluation course in recreation, parks, leisure, and tourism.