Qualitative analysis of the final form exams of the skill awards program from Alpine Canada

In 1987, Alpine Canada introduced a skill development program for skiers aged 7 to 15 years of age who were enrolled in one of Canada's entry level racing programs. One of the objectives of the program is to raise the skiing skill level of Canadian youngsters. The program includes eight levels of skiing proficiency. Progression through each of the levels is based on the performance of a final form exam which is the culmination of all the basic skill drills at that level. An investigation was conducted in order to develop a theoretical model of a giant slalom ski turn as the framework for the subsequent qualitative analysis of the skills in the eight final form exams. Using standardized video procedures, data was collected at six different testing sites. Sixty-two performances were selected for qualitative analysis in order to determine; (a) the existence of critical features, and (b) the description of critical features at each of the eight skill levels. The data was subsequently processed using a variety of descriptive techniques. The data analysis resulted in the identification of 14 features which were used to anticipate the manifestation of critical features, five features which acted as links between the phases of the turn, and eight critical features which were fundamental to the efficiency of the turn. Balance constraints appeared to take precedence over aerodynamic considerations for the skiers at all eight skill award levels. Although the mastery requirements of the critical features increased from Level 1 to Level 8, individual critical features were not equally weighted by all skiers. Variability between performances was attributed to the different ways in which the non-mastered features were manifested. Future research needs to focus on the development of deterministic models for all alpine skiing disciplines. In addition, the importance of the development of observation plans in order to guide and standardize both quantitative and qualitative skill analyses was highlighted

Exploring stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs regarding behaviors that prevent the spread of invasive species : a focus group study

This research explores the barriers that prevent stakeholders from changing their hobby behaviors to help prevent the spread of invasive species in Oregon. Invasive species are increasingly causing economic and ecosystem harm in Oregon. This is among the first studies done on the human dimensions of invasive species. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, the attitudes, norms and perceived behavioral controls regarding preventative behaviors were elucidated during four focus groups (29 individuals) with individual groupings of gardeners, anglers, hunters and boaters. Findings indicate six belief barriers to changing hobby behaviors. These include 1) the attitude that preventative behaviors, such as using pesticides, may be worse for the environment than invasive species, 2)the attitude that the fight against invasive species is a losing battle, 3)the norm belief that institutions don’t care enough to prioritize action on the issue of invasive species, 4) the norm belief that the general public both doesn’t know and doesn't care about invasive species, 5) the behavioral control belief that one doesn't know enough about the preventative behaviors to be effective, and 6) the behavioral control belief that preventative behaviors are too difficult to perform. Understanding the beliefs that prevent changes in behavior will help inform the creation of effective statewide invasive species awareness and actions campaigns, such as that being led by the Oregon Invasive Species Council, as well as provide a foundation of research on which to build additional research. Findings suggest that an effective way to engage stakeholders in being part of the solution to invasive species may include addressing social norms by targeting awareness messaging and engagement activities to hobby groups

AMS lighter footprint strategy at 'The Perch'

The focus of our group’s project was to create a resource tool for those involved with the planning and coordinating of the upcoming fine dining restaurant ‘The Perch’, to be located in the new SUB at UBC. Building on the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy, our methods for compiling resources and developing a handbook consisted of many steps, all which tied back to the vision of sustainability. These included the initial phases of reviewing literature and past AMS projects as well as conducting interviews with local restaurants holding a similar sustainable-fine-dining vision to gain insight on their motives and success factors. From this information our group compiled a list of criteria important for sustainable menu success, which included nutritional, organic, local/seasonal, fair trade, animal welfare, vegetarian, and vegan elements. We then conducted a simple survey to determine the importance of each criterion to a convenience sample, enabling us to gain insight as to how the categories ranked among the public and proceed to make recommendations that best matched the criteria demand. Upon analyzing the gathered data, we found a common theme of using and promoting local/seasonal foods from the restaurant interviews, and through the survey established a list of sustainable criteria ranked from most important to least important being; nutrition, local/seasonal, animal welfare, fair trade, organic, vegetarian, vegan. Further, our group was able to provide recommendations on narrowing ‘The Perch’s menu theme to ingredients that incorporate the popular criteria as indicated by restaurant interviewees and survey participants. Through developing this handbook, we hope to have addressed the needs of the project by targeting the vision of ‘The Perch” restaurant and compiling a list of resources that are easily accessible and useful. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat