Dimensions ofChoice: A Qualitative Approach to Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Research.

Abstract

Dimensions of Choice is a 209 page book published by Venture Publishing. The book consists of eleven chapters divided in three parts. Part one focuses on philosophical aspects of science, the role of qualitative approaches in research endeavors, and theoretical frameworks used in qualitative research. Methods and techniques of qualitative approaches are discuss in part two and three, respectively. Each chapter is provided with problem questions and a suggested list of readings that expand on the chapter's topic. Henderson clearly discusses the goals of the book, and in particular presents a frank discussion on her views regarding the value of qualitative approaches in leisure research. Henderson creatively uses Eastern philosophy to develop a conceptual framework where quantitative and qualitative approaches complement each other. Overall, the book is well written and integrates the literature pertinent to qualitative methods in the field ofrecreation and leisure. Specifically, the exemplars provided throughout the book are useful in illustrating aspects ofthe qualitative approach. However, I found chapter nine (Le., data interpretation) to be ineffective in communicating to the reader how to conduct data interpretation in qualitative research, and to be brief(i.e., 10 pages) in discussing this aspect. The chapter could beexpanded with a step by step discussion with examples of one ofthe techniques to data interpretation that are summarized in chapter nine. Data interpretation is probably the most important component of qualitative research and deserves a more rigorous and detailed explanation than the one provided in the chapter. However, the chapters discussing qualitative methods, research planning, organization, and report writing provide an adequate overview of those areas. In particular, the summary on the software available to perform analysis in qualitative research should be useful to the student. Finally, in my opinion the student would benefit from a glossary ofterms to expand on the brief definitions provided in the text, and to explain complex terms (e.g., selective holism). Due to the complexity of philosophical issues discussed in the book as they pertain to science, I believe that graduate students and undergraduate students that have been exposed to research design or methodology courses are the appropriate audience for this book, rather than an introductory research course. This book could complement a leisure research course where quantitative and qualitative approaches are examined. In conclusion, regardless of the few weaknesses that I have pointed out this book fills a need in the field of recreation and leisure, and it should stimulate the use of qualitative methodologies in applied and basic research. With this book Henderson shows her in depth understanding of qualitative methodology and its place in leisure research.