Content Validation Study of Entry-Level Knowledge Needed by Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (Competence, Standards, Certification)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and validate entry-level knowledge needed by therapeutic recreation specialists. The research process, utilizing content validation methodology, began by a national expert panel validating important content areas necessary for entry-level practice. The second phase identified qualified therapeutic recreation specialists across the nation who were willing to participate in further phases of the study. The third step involved therapeutic recreation specialists with four or more years experience to generate specific knowledge items or content area components under each of the content areas. The fourth step utilized therapeutic recreation specialists with three or less years experience in validating these content area components by indicating their importance to and frequency of use in specific therapeutic recreation jobs held by the respondents and importance of therapeutic recreation in general. The final results demonstrated the relative ratings the content area components received and provided a comprehensive definition of important knowledge needed by entry-level therapeutic recreation specialists. Recommendations are made as to how this data might be utilized in future professionalization efforts in the field of therapeutic recreation.