Judgment is the process of making decisions with incomplete information concerning either the outcomes or the decision factors. Sound judgment that leads to good decisions is an essential skill needed by adventure education and outdoor leadership professionals. Cognitive psychology provides several theories and insights concerning the accuracy of…

This paper reviews the research on women in the outdoors, 1978-97. Among the major findings are the following: women were underrepresented and underpaid in executive and management positions related to outdoor programs; women tended to lead outdoor groups differently than men; outdoor recreation patterns differed in that women were more likely to…

This paper examines the changing attitudes and personal development of 20 college students participating in an advanced class on ethical outdoor leadership. Students took part in short outdoor activities and tasks for which they selected their own leaders, determined strategies, and evaluated their task and group process performances. Course…

This presentation provides wilderness rescue workers with an overview of the psychological reactions of victims of accidents and natural disasters and suggested responses for rescuers and caregivers. A personal account of rescue and death in a drowning accident illustrates how the rescuer can also be traumatized by such an incident and may suffer…

The relationship between Indiana University Outdoor Adventures (IUOA) and the Indiana University Department of Recreation and Park Administration began in the early 1980s with the department providing IUOA with lists of potential graduate-assistant employees. If a graduate assistant was hired, IUOA paid the student a stipend and the department…

This paper reviews the research literature published between 1992 and 1995 on group development and group dynamics in outdoor education and closely allied disciplines. The research is categorized in six general dimensions: (1) how the personal characteristics, skills, and experience that individuals bring to the group influences group dynamics and…

Northland Support Wilderness Experience (NSWE) was a bicultural (White and Maori) wilderness therapy program that operated in New Zealand from 1985 to 1990. NSWE conducted 11 wilderness expeditions per year with approximately 10 participants each, and provided 18-month followups for participants, parents, and significant others. Participants were…

Analyzes characteristics of outdoor leaders. Lists outdoor program types. Suggests course content, areas of competency, and 38 personal leadership traits for prospective leaders. Describes human resources, natural resources, and cultural awareness as parts of the "holistic domain" of the outdoor leader. Intended for training purposes. Includes…