Basic and Applied Research: Application of Disciplinary Theory and Methods in the Field of Leisure Studies

Leisure studies is an applied field that draws on theory and methods developed in conventional academic disciplines. This paper illustrates the ways in which theory and methods developed in several academic disciplines (sociology, economics, computer science, and statistics) can be employed to help resolve an applied problem (carrying capacity of parks and related areas) in leisure studies. Application of disciplinary theory and methods to leisure studies raises several issues. These include the inherently interdisciplinary nature of leisure studies and the resulting need for applied academic units addressing leisure and related issues, adequate representation of all relevant academic disciplines, the most appropriate educational track for faculty/scholars in leisure studies, and the potential evolution of leisure studies from an applied field to an academic discipline.