method- wilderdom（method- wilderdom）.doc

Construction of a Research Instrument measuring Community Involvement Constructed by Norm Staunton An exercise for KIN 900, UNH, fall 2001 Introduction Adventure programming is moving towards increasingly inclusive program designs for all clients. These designs integrate disabled, at-risk-youth, elderly, and other commonly segregated groups with “traditional” clientele. As integrated groups become more common, and as adventure education continues to legitimize and validate its influence in all aspects life, research into the exact nature of its influences needs to be conducted. As adventure programming moves towards increased integration of its clientele, the effects of integration need to be measured. If adventure programs are increasing their integration, one result may be that further integration of community groups occurs as a result. This survey attempts to measure changes in perceived levels of community involvement as a result of participation in adventure programming. The author’s original intent was to measure whether integration of adventure programming results in integration in community groups. The survey in fact measures community involvement regardless of the nature of clients participating in adventure programming. As a measure of community involvement, the survey is designed to be reliable for all people, regardless age, disability, or other characteristics. Constructs of community involvement were brainstormed. They included: levels of involvement in community groups, valuing community and its importance, time spent working with community groups, extent of leadership roles, amount of responsibility in community groups, skills gained through community involvement, school/work performance changes, relationships as a result of community involvement, and recognition received for participation in community groups. While these items may not be the full spectrum of possible constructs of community involvement, they do tend to indicate the exte