Developing decision making capability in adventure sport professionals: exploring epistemological foundations and implications for leader education in caving

Abstract

The overall aim of this thesis was to explore the subtle yet complex relationships between the values and beliefs of the adventure sports professional, and their judgment and decision making behaviours. It investigated how the training of decision making across a range of adventure sport domains may be developed. A series of studies (Chapters 3, 5 and 6) were undertaken to help identify and establish how the epistemological position of the adventure sport professional informs subsequent decision making chains which underpin their practice in-action. Chapter 3 centered on the activity domains of caving, multi-pitch rock climbing and winter mountaineering, but evolved in Chapters 4 and 5 towards a specific focus on vertical and extended horizontal caving. This evolution was in response to the absence of literature and research on the judgement and decision making requirements of the adventure sport professional in this accentuated underground environment. A pragmatic research philosophy led to a multi-method approach utilising a series of interviews and observations, and a variety of analysis techniques across the different studies. The key findings from Chapters 3, 4 and 5 revealed specific epistemological positions orientated to the development of client agency, independent performance, and positive adventure. These positions were seen to support a coherent leadership and learning framework on which to base shared decision making processes that were appropriate to the environments in which they were situated. Chapter 6 compared the PJDM processes of expert caving instructors to novice cave leaders in order to inform the development of improved practice and training resources. In Chapter 7, resources were created which were validated utilising an assembled panel of outdoor sector experts. Research throughout Chapters 3,4,5 and 6 identified that the technical and rational focus of training and assessment at National Governing Body level within the activity domains investigated was of a high standard. However, the support and development offered for progression in decision making was conspicuous by its absence, especially within caving training and leadership. A recommendation arising from the findings of the thesis was a rebalancing of the education of this group, with an increased focus and weighting on the training and assessment of decision making, rather than solely on technical competencies. Adopting this recommendation will support a graduated shift from proceduralised methods to one which focuses on blended expertise in-context, in consideration that sound judgment and decision making are at the crux of many professions, not least of all within adventure sport practice. Although the findings correlate with aspects of research conducted within other adventure sports domains such as paddlesport, the investigations add significantly to the literature base of leadership and decision making within multi-pitch rock climbing and winter mountaineering, and uniquely, to the domain of vertical and extended horizontal caving. A bespoke epistemological chain for high level cavers was conceptualised, which when allied to a novel judgment and knowledge framework, informed the development of a training resource package designed to enhance decision making expertise. This work has impact, significance for practice and offers progression in the development of professional judgement and decision making capability. It is original, provides a contribution to knowledge and offers functional transfer across a range of activity domains.