Thesis (M.A.)--University of British Columbia, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-98). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1992. / Workshop report. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 202-203).

Thesis (M. Sc.(Urban Plan.))--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2000. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-65). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1970. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.L.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes special report study entitled: Technoscape: hi-tech landscape features.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of British Columbia, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-98).

Land managers are facing increasing visitation rates on the resources under their care resulting in associated impacts and complex management challenges. As the Shawnee National Forest (SNF) management team updates and revises the 2006 SNF Land and Resource Management Plan, understanding influences on visitor attitudes and behaviors becomes essential. This dissertation presents findings and associated planning recommendations from three social science research efforts on the SNF. The first manuscript examined the effects of the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, Leave No Trace (LNT), as well as visitor perceptions of effectiveness and difficulty to perform minimum impact practices, on the intentions of visitors to perform future minimum impact behaviors. A survey instrument was deployed at ten different recreation sites on the forest to measure the variables of interest. Results indicated that visitor attitudes toward the appropriateness of practicing LNT, perceptions of effectiveness of LNT practices and beliefs pertaining to the ease of LNT practice do, to an extent, influence visitor behavioral intentions. The second manuscript examined the relationships within, and influences of, levels of recreation specialization, place bonding and origin of introduction to the sport of rock climbing on the environmental awareness of climbers. Results indicated that climbers are aware of ecological conditions at Jackson Falls, SNF. Origin of introduction was not a direct influence on impact awareness, as were the constructs of specialization and place, however it was correlated with both constructs suggesting a possible indirect influence. When combined, the constructs of specialization and place influenced climber awareness, albeit the influence was small. Moreover, as the combination of these constructs served as a better predictor than each alone, underlying drivers of influence within each construct is suspected. Recommendations for further research that deconstructs recreation specialization and place bonding are discussed. The third manuscript addressed relationships within, and influences of: past experience; economic investment; skill; centrality to lifestyle; commitment; place familiarity, belongingness, identity, dependence, and rootedness; origin of introduction and knowledge of LNT on rock climbers’ attitudes and self-reported onsite behaviors. Origin was not a direct influence on attitudes or behaviors. Knowledge was correlated with behaviors. While several relationships between variables were uncovered, predictive potential of variables on attitude and behavior was small. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted uncovering four underlying unobservable factors within the variables. A proposed model and associated implications are discussed. Management recommendations emerging from this dissertation, including strategies for indirect management opportunities such as persuasive messaging and minimum impact education efforts as well as opportunities for adaptive co-management opportunities with area recreation advocacy groups, were discussed in the concluding chapter.

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the success elements of elite big mountain (BM) freeskiers to perform their best while immersed in their challenging sport. Big Mountain freeskiing is a high risk alternative sport that takes place in an unpredictable mountain environment. Nine of the best BM freeskiers in the world participated in the study, seven men, and two women. A qualitative research design was used with a post-positivist paradigm. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather the data. The success elements that emerged from the interviews were categorized within three temporal categories; pre-performance preparation (line selection, visualization, and calmness), performance execution (confidence and focus), and post-performance evaluation (reflection, lessons learned, mindset). Two additional success elements were evident for all athletes interviewed; love for their sport and what they were doing, and a fully focused connection to that in which they were engaged. These latter two success elements were not confined by temporal boundaries and were presented separately due to their uniqueness and importance. These athletes carried an intensely focused connection to what they were doing, and had the ability to remain calm while facing challenging situations. The ability of these athletes to transfer certain success elements they employed in BM freeskiing to the rest of their lives was interesting and one that warrants further research.

The purpose of the study was to document the process of Triathlon Canada's implementation of a new coach education program in the competition-development context. Two conceptual frameworks were used for the study, the first was the OECD (2007b) qualifications system framework and the second was Jarvis' (2006a) conception of a biography. In part 1, the high performance director was interviewed four times throughout the year to get his perspective on the process of developing and implementing the new program. Through the use of purposeful sampling, all of the coaches' (n=10) actively coaching triathletes in the competition-development context in Canada were interviewed in order to explore the different experiences and qualifications they had, prior to their entry into the program. In part 2, one interview was conducted with the first coach to be evaluated on the Design a Sport Program outcome, and one interview was conducted with each of the two evaluators. The results were divided into two parts; in part 1, it was evident based on the interviews with the high performance director that his unique academic and professional background influenced him to develop a program tailored to the experienced coaches participating in the new program. Furthermore, interviews with the participants' revealed biographies that indicated they were: (a) well educated, (b) held multiple coaching certifications, (c) had rich athletic and coaching experiences, and (d) approached learning through diverse means, including formal, non-formal, and informal learning situations. These interviews revealed that the evaluation process was a learning experience for both the coach and the evaluators. Furthermore, there were elements within the new program that seemed to be conducive to lifelong learning. In conclusion, results from the study suggest that it is important to consider the biography of the participants because it will influence how they approach learning. As such, the development and delivery of coach education programs in the competition-development context will likely vary for each national sport federation.