Differences in epistemological beliefs in a group of high-level UK based caving, mountaineering and rock-climbing instructors

Martin Barry*, Loel Collins, David Grecic

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The epistemological underpinning of Adventure Sports Coaches’ (ASCs) coaching and leadership practice is a growing area of research. The epistemological stance that links to caving instructors, winter mountaineering instructors and rock-climbing instructors practice however has not been considered. Consequently, this paper sought to explore the epistemology of 9 UK-based ASCs (caving instructors (n = 3), winter mountaineering instructors (n = 3) and rock-climbing Instructors (n = 3) using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis approach. The study aimed to determine specifically how epistemology manifested itself and whether findings reflected previous ASC research. Results supported previous work in confirming that an Epistemological Chain existed but found that it operated in a very different manner due to the environmental constraints and heightened risk evident within these particular Adventure Sport activities. Findings have implications for National Governing Body instructor training programme design and operation, and also in how epistemology is considered to influence coaches’ decision making in these Adventure Sport activities.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning
Early online date7 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 7 Jun 2023

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • adventure sports coaching
  • decsion making
  • epistemology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Differences in epistemological beliefs in a group of high-level UK based caving, mountaineering and rock-climbing instructors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this