Exploring ecological task analysis: the experience of choice among adults with mobility impairments

• Author / Creator

  Morphy, Lorraine Yvonne

• Using ecological task analysis as a conceptual framework, this study sought to describe the experiences of choice in physical activity contexts for adults with mobility impairments. Experiences of 3 female and 2 male participants with mobility impairments, ages 18-23 years were explored using the phenomenological research methods of interviews, written stories, and field notes. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (a) Interpreting the setting described participants’ interpretation of the environment, person, and task when making movement choices; (b) It just felt right described how participants actively engaged in a process of analyzing alternatives and choosing among them; and (c) Implications of choices made described participants’ evaluations of good and bad choices and what could be learned. The implications of this exploratory study include enhanced understanding of the assumptions surrounding choice, and appreciation for the multiple layers of affordances and constraints that influence choices in physical activity contexts.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Ecological task analysis
  • Adapted physical activity
  • Mobility impairments
  • Constraints
  • Adults
  • Affordances
  • Choice
  • Physical activity

• Graduation date

  Fall 2010

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3CG9H

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.