Jan 10
25 Questions1. What is physical education like in Tonga?
2. How do they stay healthy?
3. Do the schools have a physical education program?
4. If not what do they do to promote physical activity and staying healthy?
5. What are the sports like in Tonga?
6. What little games to the locals play?
7. How do they stay active and physically fit?
8. Are there any differences from the United States definition of physically healthy and active and Tonga’s definition?
9. How do physical education programs compare in Tonga to the US?
10. Was physical education ever implemented in Tongan schools?
11. Would there be a big change if they implemented physical education in Tongan schools?
12. Do Tongan’s think physical education or physical activity is important?
13. Does the culture play a big role in the amount of physical activity or obesity in Tonga?
14. Is obesity a cultural thing?
15. What are the causes of obesity in adults?
16. Is childhood obesity a problem in Tonga?
17. Do Tongan schools sports teams compete against each other?
18. Would I be able to find a program and teach physical education in the schools?
19. Would I be able to work it out so I can coach girls’ volleyball perhaps?
20. What type of things could I do in Tonga?
21. What kind of volunteer opportunities would I have?
22. What is the Tongan culture like?
23. What other games to Tongan kids play?
24. What are the foods like in Tonga?
25. How big is the church in Tonga?
Jan 12
Project Question:
Is obesity caused by poor dietary choices, dietary limitations, or is it simply the Tongan way?
February 4
Methods 1 Assignment
Jan 12
Project Question:
Is obesity caused by poor dietary choices, dietary limitations, or is it simply the Tongan way?
February 4
Methods 1 Assignment
Q: How do you view being physically fit?
A: From a distance if I see someone that is round I think they are most likely not physically fit. I guess as a general rule if someone not round that means they are fit. (Being physically fit has a shape) I have this idea in my head that if people are larger they are just not fit even though they may work out every day and have a lot of muscle underneath all the fat. (Someone who is larger might not look fit but really might be healthy)
Q: So do you think that the size of a person has to deal with being physically fit?
A: Yeah, I think that there are big indicators. I might be a little judgmental because when I hear someone who is larger say they run every day but in my head I ask “Do you really? Cause you sure don’t look like you do!” (Physical appearance and being physically fit are related?)
Q: So let me ask you this, if you were walking up the stairs with someone who is huffing and puffing and generally breathing really hard would you consider them not physically fit?
A: Yeah I guess to some degree because if they can’t make it up the stairs without resting or breathing really hard then they should probably work out more. If they are just breathing hard and are smaller than no I wouldn’t think they weren’t physically fit. But if they are walking really slow, are bigger, and have to rest every two stairs than yeah I think they wouldn’t be physically fit. (Bigger equals slower)
Q: Do you think that the food people eat have to deal with being physically fit?
A: Maybe a little, I mean I don’t eat terribly healthy but I still consider myself fit. (Healthy equals fit?) I guess I really correlate running with being fit. The more someone runs the more fit they are. (Physically fit equals running or maybe some type of physical exercise)
Q: What do you consider being physically active?
A: Someone who works out and do active things like sports or running.
Q: Do you consider yourself to be physically active?
A: Yeah, I mean I work out every so often. I would rather do social things instead of working out. (Working out doesn’t equal social activity) I would probably go more if I had a work out buddy or someone to go with. (Working out isn’t necessarily a social activity but it can be) I don’t work out very often because I just don’t have very much time.
Q: Do you make physical activity a priority in your life?
A: I think there are more important things that should be a priority in life but I do think that being physically active should be important and be a priority and not something that you do if you have left over time or if you get around to it. (Physical activity should be a priority)
Methodological Notes: The method I used was effective in the fact that I recorded the information I needed but it was hard to remember everything when I sat down to expand my notes. I did think I used the probing techniques well. The questions came naturally and I was able to keep the conversation going and keep getting valuable information. I worked on the probing technique in interviewing subjects. I also felt like the probing techniques I used were second nature to me. I already use them a lot. The uh-huh probe, the long question probe, the echo probe, and the leading probe worked really well. I had a hard time using the silent probe because I personally don’t like the silence and like to fill it. So I will have to work on that one.
Methods practice 2
Methods practice 2
Participant Observations
My Tongan class went on a field trip to a boy scout’s eagle project in a Tongan ward. These are my observations:
People stared at us when we walked in. (leery of new people)
Once they saw Sione the Tongans smiled and the oldest one started talking to us. (Your friends are our friends attitude?)
The boys our age eyed us and looked at each other.
They wanted a picture with us and the box they were sending to Tonga.
We told them we didn’t even do anything so we shouldn’t be in the picture but they insisted.
They opened the door for us. (Even though they weren’t exactly sure about us they still served).
We walked in and the people all looked at us.
The lady that was in charge came out and gave us a warm welcome.
She led us to the gym and immediately the older boys put up another table and chairs for us to sit down and served us food. (Service oriented culture, didn’t need to be asked to serve).
Michelle and Allyson sat down with the younger boys and started talking to them.
Nick, Daniel, and I sat down with the older women.
The older women kind of stared at us but once we started talking to them they had a lot to say. (Do they just think that no one is interested in what they have to say or just want to be left alone?
One lady kept asking Nick questions and once she found out he was in landscape management she wanted him to come over and help her out with her lawn.
The lady next to me wasn’t too talkative. Once I told her we were actually going to Tonga this summer she was eager to impart her knowledge of travel and things to take with us. (Very helpful and wants to help others when she can. She will give you information that will help you).
The lady had a baby and held him for a while but when someone wanted to hold him she let them.
That same baby was passed around the rest of the night. (My family is your family).
Once during the evening the baby started to choke and immediately everyone sitting around was concerned and wanted to help anyway they could. (Care for others and are concerned when in trouble)
The boys were anxious to serve us as well. (Always looking for ways to serve, hospitable)
One time the lady next to me got a hot chocolate and once she saw that I didn’t have one she gave me the one that she had. (Always looks for ways to serve, puts others before herself).
Allyson and Michelle were hitting it off with the kids. They were very willing to talk to them and make fun of them as well. They kept calling Allyson Kentucky or fried chicken.
The lady in charge kept bringing food to our table and giving us more to eat. (Did this lady just have a very caring personality or is that caring personality part of their culture?)
After eating we went and talked to the little kids and they asked us to speak Tongan. When Allyson did they laughed at her and then told her the correct way to say it.
When we started walking towards the door the kids followed us and said to take them as their prisoners. (Are kids accepting of everyone or just people they see their parents talking to?)
They all said goodbye and some even seemed sad to see us go.
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I also took the opportunity to observe an 11th grade English class:
Kids came into class really loud and obnoxious.
Most of the kids competed to get Mr. Beeson’s attention.
He had a hard time quieting them down.
He gave directions and most of the kids followed them but every time there were some that had to complain before they would follow them. (They complained as if the teacher would change his mind and kept complaining even though it never worked).
Occasionally a boy would say these loud and obnoxious comments and the kids just kind of rolled their eyes and ignored him.
Another boy would make comments in the same kind of obnoxious loud way and everyone would laugh. (What made this kid funny and the other loud kid not funny or worthy to laugh at?)
Mr. Beeson tried to keep control of the class and kept telling them to be quiet.
Kids were generally civil to each other but there were certain kids that they would make fun of.
Once when one of the obnoxious boys said something I heard someone whisper that “he was so weird!” (What is the definition of weird and how do we come to make that definition? How does it differ within different cultures?)
The class had some quizzes they had to take and Mr. Beeson had to remind them multiple times not to cheat. I still noticed students looking around and cheating.
After the quizzes the students kept complaining and being loud.
Mr. Beeson finally gave up trying to get them to be quiet.
After the quizzes the students got up one by one and read a part of their journal out loud to each other.
Most students had a story to go with it.
At the end of the class
Other things I noticed:
· All of the kids liked Mr. Beeson but instead of doing their work quietly and trying to impress him they talked loud and would make stupid comments. Why do people need attention and what will they do to get the attention they want? Is being loud and obnoxious the easiest way to get that attention?
· High school students don’t get it. They don’t get what life is all about and focus way too much on little things. They don’t realize that when they swear to be cool it’s not. It was really interesting to go back after 2 years and see how big of a deal high school wasn’t and how many kids don’t understand that.
Project proposal draft 1
Project proposal draft 1
Physical Activity from a Tongan’s Perspective
A Field Study Proposal
Statement of Intent
I intend to learn about the Tongan’s perspective of physical activity and it’s aspects by observing and interviewing the natives in Va’vau, Tonga. I intend to learn about the ways they get physically active, if they exercise, if exercise is integrated in the type of work they do, and to find out what is the perfect Tongan. I also intend to immerse myself in the Tongan culture and try to understand the different perspectives about life we might have. I really want to be able to understand the Tongan values and morals. I love how the Tongan culture is based on service and hope to learn more about how to truly serve and love others.
Personal Intentions.
I have many hopes for personal growth from going to Tonga on a field study. I hope I can learn how to break out of my shell and talk to everyone. I have always wanted to talk to random strangers and people I see on the streets but my shell has always stopped me. My participation in a field study will hopefully force me to leave my shell behind and talk to everyone.
Academic Intentions.
I plan to study the Tongan view of physical activity. Some of the questions I want to answer during the course of my field study are the following: How is physical activity culturally viewed? What is the ideal Tongan? What was healthy back in the day compared to what is considered healthy in today’s society? Do Tongan’s exercise? If not, why don’t they? How is exercise viewed? What do they consider exercise? Do they consider physical activity and exercise to be separate? Do they consider the type of physical labor they do working in the bush or on the reefs physical activity? What might be some barriers to physical exercise or activity in the Tongan culture? What do they consider physical activity and how is incorporated in their culture? Do different types of work promote physical activity? Do different jobs involve more physical activity than others? Are some jobs healthier than other jobs? Do Tongan’s have any leisure time? How do Tongan’s spend their leisure time? What activities do they consider leisure? Do Tongans get physically active participating in sports? Why do they play sports? Do Tongan’s consider sports just for fun or do they play them for other benefits besides entertainment? Are there games that are played strictly for recreation? Are there different sports for boys and girls? Do sports keep Tongan’s physically active and fit? What do Tongans consider to be physically fit? What do Tongans consider healthy? Do they think a certain diet is healthier than others or different types of food? Do they even consider diet to be part of health? Can they choose to eat healthy or do they just eat whatever is available? Do they think diet is linked to exercise? Do the viewpoints on physical activity, physically fit, what is healthy, and the ideal Tongan vary between boys and girls? Old and young? Parents and children? Are the viewpoints universal throughout Tonga or does status have anything to do with it?
Background and Significance
I am working on this project because I have always been interested in physical activity and staying active. As I have learned more about the topic I have been interested to know what kind of perceptions exist around the world, specifically in a third world country like Tonga. I am interested to learn about the different perceptions Tongan’s have about physical activity as it relates to health. Also maybe compare the perceptions of health and physical activity the united states has to the perceptions of the people of Tonga.
Location Specific.
As I have tried to research physical activity in Tonga, I found that there are very little sources on Tonga let alone on physical activity in Tonga. My project is a good fit for Tonga because there has been so little research done and my research would add to the literature on Tonga. Potential sensitivities specific to the program might be the cultural beliefs that differ from mine. Tongan’s treating us like honored guests and not letting us get involved with the family could potentially prevent me from getting the information I need.
Methodology/Procedures
Description of Interest.
When I get to Tonga I want to immediately immerse myself in to the culture and move from honored guest to part of the family. I think helping the family around the house and doing things for them is the quickest way to become part of the family. Also going with the women to the reefs to gather food and just chat with them. I also want to become involved in the community throughout my time in Tonga.
Project proposal draft 2
Project proposal draft 2
Physical Activity from a Tongan’s Perspective
A Field Study Proposal
Statement of Intent
I will be conducting an exploratory study observing the physical activity levels of Tongans by working, observing, and interviewing them. I plan on immersing myself in the culture to gain a greater understanding of the cultural beliefs and traditions. By doing this I hope to gain a better understanding of the perceptions that might exist about physical activity as it pertains to health, fitness, and exercise. I also intend to immerse myself in the Tongan culture and try to understand the different perspectives about life they might have. I really want to be able to understand the Tongan values and morals. I love how the Tongan culture is based on service and hope to learn more about how to truly serve and love others.
Personal Intentions
I have many hopes for personal growth from going to Tonga on a field study. I hope I can learn how to break out of my shell and talk to everyone. I have always wanted to talk to random strangers and people I see on the streets but my shell has always stopped me. My participation in a field study will hopefully force me to leave my shell behind and talk to everyone. I also would like to learn how to talk to people and pay more attention to things that they say. I think people can learn a lot from other people and their culture. I hope to do this by immersing myself in the Tongan culture and learning about how they interact and treat other people. I want to build friendships and to learn about how to interact with people of another culture. I also want to observe and learn about how to quietly serve
Academic Intentions
I am working on this project because I have always been interested in physical activity and staying active. As I have learned more about the topic I have been interested to know what kind of perceptions exist around the world, specifically in a third world country like Tonga. I am interested to learn about the different perceptions Tongan’s have about physical activity as it relates to health. This study will work towards an understanding of the perceptions that might exist about physical activity from a Tongan’s point of view. It will provide more information about Tonga and the understanding of physical activity as it relates to fitness and exercise. Questions such as how Tongans get physically active, how they define exercise or physical activities, their thoughts about what physical activity is will be more fully understood and answered by using domain analysis and participant observation.
Background and Significance
Significance
Throughout history, physical activity has been acknowledged as being an important aspect of health and fitness as well as an important part of life, along with work, leisure, religion, social, and cultural activities. The Greeks recognized the importance of a “sound body to hardy spirits and tough minds” (Blair, 1993). The Olympics are a good example of this. The athletes had to have superior fitness and wellness as well as a tough mind. The Chinese also had the principle of human harmony, a concept that values the role of physical activity. African groups and various Native Americans also had active lifestyles and physical activity was prominent in their cultures. Europeans also knew the value of regular physical activity. In the late seventeenth century, John Dryden wrote, “Better to hunt in fields, for health unbought, than fee the doctor for nauseous draught; the wise, for cure, on exercise depend; God never made his work for man to mend” (Paffenbarger and Hyde, 1980). Physical activity in the United States was influenced by the Europeans, which focused on promoting exercise programs that concentrated on improving health. These programs were later known as physical education, which were the principle sources of promoting physical activity in the schools (Caspersen, 2000). Physical activity has been recognized across history and different cultures as an important aspect of life. It has been promoted for different reasons in different times in history, such as preparation for war, sporting events, and other things (Bouchard, 1999). It has always, however, been promoted for higher health and wellness. The human organism was designed to be physically active. According to some anthropologists the need to be active is associated with the need to find food, fight predators, and to run to safety (Cooper, 1968). Technology has freed people from the need for heavy physical labor that was used by previous generations to gather food and provide shelter. Sedentary behaviors have increased as the need for heavy physical labor has decreased. Most people don’t just go out to exercise anymore. The increase of desk jobs has also decreased the levels of physical activity, fitness, and exercise.
Location-specific Information
Tonga is one of the last monarchial societies. It is a rural community that isn’t fully developed and technologically advanced. Potential sensitivities specific to the program might be the lack of technological advances and also the cultural beliefs that differ from mine. Some of these beliefs could be the different taboos that exist between different members of society or of my host family treating me like an honored guest and not letting me get involved with the family. As I have tried to research physical activity in Tonga, I have found that there are few sources on Tonga let alone on physical activity in Tonga. Very little is written about Tonga and this study will not only add to the literature about Tonga but it will discover perceptions that exist from a Tongan’s perspective, how physical activity is incorporated in the culture, and how physical activity plays a role in a rural community.
Topic-specific Information
Many people also believe that exercise, physical activity, and fitness are all the same thing. They are all different concepts and many times people confuse them. A lot of the time they use them interchangeably. In the article, Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Fitness: Definitions and Distinctions for Health-Related Research, it provides definitions and explains how these three terms are different from each other. According to Dr. Caspersen, Dr. Powell, and Dr. Christenson, physical activity is defined as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure. The energy expenditure can be measured in kilocalories. Physical activity in daily life can be categorized into occupational, sports, conditioning, household, or other activities. Exercise is a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive and has as a final or an intermediate objective the improvement or maintenance of physical fitness. Physical fitness is a set of attributes that are either health- or skill-related. The degree to which people have these attributes can be measured with specific tests”. My project will be exploring the perceptions of these three terms and how they are defined cross-culturally in the Tongan context.
Methodology/Procedures
Description of Entry
When I get to Tonga I want to immediately immerse myself in to the culture and move from honored guest to part of the family. I think helping the family around the house and doing things for them is the quickest way to become part of the family. Also going with the women to the reefs to gather food and just chat with them. I also want to become involved in the community throughout my time in Tonga.
Description of Informants
The subjects that will be in my study will be 15-30 adults aged 18 and older living in villages around Vava’u. I want to specifically talk with adults in various places such as the reefs, doctors in hospitals, teachers/coaches in schools, my host family, neighboring families, and random people on the streets that I might run into.
Description of Sampling and Recruitment
Subjects will not be excluded based on gender. The two basic ways of recruiting subjects that I’m going to use is convenience sampling by talking to people walking by or anyone I come in contact with. I will use snowball sampling by talking to my host family and others to see if they know of anyone else that might be interested in participating or could help me get information. Observations will also play a part in recruiting subjects for my study. I also hope to enter into the schools and hospital to talk to teachers, coaches, and doctors about their perceptions as well.
Description of Method
Finding Informants: Participants will be recruited either by convenience sampling or
snowball sampling. I will build relationships with my host family and the other people I meet\
through them that might be willing to participate in my study. During walks or trips into town I
will meet new people who might also be willing to participate. I will also participate in various
activities such as working on the reefs gathering food, in the weaving houses making tapa clothe,
or in various sporting activities to meet other people who might be interested in participating in
my study.
Data collection:
Participant observation- I will spend the first several weeks entering the community and
learning about the culture. I will participate in different cultural activities and make observations
as I do so. This will allow me time to enter the community and build friendships with my host
family and those I work with. Through these observations I hope to gain a better understanding
of the common perceptions or thoughts about physical activity that will give me better ideas of
questions I could ask when I do informal interviews. This method will also be helpful in gaining
insights I might not gain by just talking with someone. I will spend about 1-2 hours a night
writing up the observations.
Domain Analysis- With each of the 15-30 participants I will conduct 3-4 semi-structures
interviews. The first couple visits will be getting to know the informant. After 2-3 visits I will use domain analysis specifically free listing where they will be asked to list activities in certain categories (work, play, social, etc….). I will also have my informants pile sort a stack of various activities into their own categories. See appendix for examples of categories and lists.
Informal Interviews- Throughout my study I will also be using informal interviews to
gather information about different perceptions of physical activity. I will use this by talking to
random people I meet in various circumstances and places. These informal interviews should not
last longer than 30 minutes but will vary depending on the informant. See appendix for example
questions.
Ethics and Approval
The information I learn will be documented in a notebook. No one but the PI and the primary
mentor will have access to the information. Informal interviews will be conducted in public
places and certain subjects won’t be discussed. No identifying information will be used in the
research. Once my study is complete the information I have will not be used for anything other
than a final paper and for analysis.
Prior to conducting the domain analysis interviews I will obtain consent from my
participants. I will briefly explain what I am doing and ask them if they would be interested in
participating. If they say no I will politely thank them for their time and move on. If they say yes
I will hand them the consent form and explain it. In the consent form it will further explain my
project. There will be places where it will also explain to the participants that they can stop
answering questions at any time and if there is information they don’t want me to use then I
won’t. If they agree they will sign the document and I will proceed.
My research doesn’t present more than minimal risk to the participant. I do recognize what I
will be asking of the participant and will respect their time. Potential benefits to society could be
a better understanding of the perceptions of physical activity cross-culturally as well as adding to
the literature about Tonga.
There will not be any compensation given. I recognize what I will be asking of my informants and understand that I can’t become a burden. I also understand that participation is a sacrifice of their time and will practice a culturally appropriate form of reciprocity.
Preliminary Plans for Post-field Application
I hope to be able to use the knowledge I gain through this field study to help me in my future jobs teaching physical education in schools. I hope to gain an idea of the different perceptions of physical activity that might exits cross-culturally so I can understand my students better. I plan to present my findings in the Inquiry Conference and maybe also be published in the Inquiry Journal as well.
Qualifications and Limitations
I am seeking a Physical Education Teaching/Coaching degree in the Teacher Education department and am interested in learning about the perceptions of physical activity cross-culturally. I have taken a Human Development class that has taught me about different ways people develop and how they become who they are. This has prepared me to have more of an understanding of different people and development patterns. I have also taken an Anthrofilms class where we watched movies about different cultures and discussed the cultural differences. This class taught me about different people and cultures. It gave me a better perspective on how to handle cultural differences. I am currently taking a field studies prep class that is preparing me to enter the field by teaching me appropriate ways to enter the community and ways to handle cultural differences. I am also taking an Introduction to Tongan class where I have not only learned about the language but about the culture as well.
Qualifications of Primary Mentor
Ron Hagar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Sciences and has conducted and published research related to determinants of physical activity and exercise in children and adults. I am also taking a Cultural Proofs class from Joe Ostraff while I am in the field. He has spent the last twenty years studying in Tonga and will help me understand the cultural differences I might run into while I am in the field.
final ProposalPhysical Activity from a Tongan’s Perspective
A Field Study Proposal
Statement of Intent:
I will be conducting an exploratory study of physical activity levels of Tongans by working with, observing, and interviewing them. I plan on immersing myself in the culture to gain a greater understanding of the cultural beliefs and traditions. By doing this I hope to gain a better understanding of the perceptions that might exist about physical activity as it pertains to health, fitness, and exercise. I also intend to immerse myself in the Tongan culture and try to understand the different perspectives about life they might have. From what I have learned by talking to Tongans I have met, service is a big part of their culture. They look for ways to help others and would do whatever they could for an individual in need. I want to be able to learn from them and their views of service to others.
Personal Intentions
I have many hopes for personal growth by going to Tonga on a field study. I hope I can learn how to break out of my shell and talk to everyone. I have always wanted to be able to engage random strangers and people I see on the streets in conversation but my inhibitions have always stopped me. My participation in a field study will hopefully force me to move beyond my comfort zone and talk readily to those I meet. I think people can learn a lot from other people and their culture. I hope to do this by immersing myself in the Tongan culture and learning about how they interact with other people and how they treat them. I want to build friendships and to learn about how to interact with people of another culture. I also want to observe and learn about how to quietly serve others without being seen or making a big deal about it.
Academic Intentions
I am working on this project because I have always been interested in physical activity and staying active. As I have learned more about the topic I have been interested in knowing what kind of perceptions exist around the world, specifically in a third world country like Tonga. This study will work towards an understanding of the perceptions that might exist about physical activity from a Tongan’s point of view. It will provide more information about Tonga and the understanding of physical activity as it relates to fitness and exercise. Questions such as how Tongans are physically active, how they define exercise or physical activities, and their thoughts about what physical activity is will be more fully understood by using domain analysis and participant observation. I also hope this experience will give me a better understanding of physical activity and how it is perceived cross-culturally. I hope this experience will propel me into my major with background knowledge of physical activity and with experience observing it cross culturally. I also hope it will give me a place in which I can build off of as I start my major learning about the different aspects of physical activity.
Background and Significance:
Throughout history and across cultures, physical activity has been acknowledged as an important aspect of health and fitness as well as an important part of life, along with work, leisure, religion, social, and cultural activities. In many cultures physical activity was used as a vital part of their culture and as a way to survive. However, as times have changed physical activity’s role in society has as well. Technology has provided ways to reduce the need for physical activity and many cultures have adapted accordingly. Tonga used to be an agrarian society which demanded a high load of physical activity and fitness. They are in the transition stage and are in the process of adaption. As times have changed so have the perceptions of physical activity in Tonga.
The Greeks recognized the importance of a “sound body to hardy spirits and tough minds” (Blair, 1993). The Olympics are a good example of this. The athletes had to have superior fitness and wellness as well as a tough mind. They competed in various sports that required them to be physically fit. In ancient Tonga they also competed in the Olympics and had to have superior fitness not only to compete but to survive (CIA, 2010).
The Chinese also taught the principle of human harmony, a concept that values the role of physical activity. The teachings of Confucius taught that the participation in regular physical activity was associated with certain diseases and could be prevented with regular exercise for fitness (Shalala, 1999). African groups and various Native Americans also had active lifestyles and physical activity was prominent in their cultures as well (Henderson, 2003). Tongans also participated in regular physical activity but it was mostly with the intent to survive (Dalleck, 2011).
Europeans also knew the value of regular physical activity. In the late seventeenth century, John Dryden wrote, “Better to hunt in fields, for health unbought, than fee the doctor for nauseous draught; the wise, for cure, on exercise depend; God never made his work for man to mend” (Paffenbarger and Hyde, 1980). Medical student Archibald Maclaren studied the benefits of fitness and regular exercise. Based on his work he made several observations about physical activity. He believed the cure for weariness and stress was physical activity. He also found that recreational exercise in games and sports wasn’t adequate for attaining good fitness levels (Dalleck, 2011).
Early leaders in the United States were concerned for the need of physical activity. Thomas Jefferson stated, “Not less than two hours a day should be devoted to exercise, and the weather shall be little regarded. If the body is feeble, the mind will not be strong” (Dalleck, 2011). Physical activity in the United States was influenced by the Europeans, which focused on promoting exercise programs that concentrated on improving health. These programs were later known as physical education, which were the principle sources of promoting physical activity in the schools (Caspersen, 2000). Tonga does not have very many if any programs promoting physical activity. Perceptions of physical activity could be very different in Tonga than in other parts of the world.
Physical activity has been recognized across history and different cultures as an important aspect of life. It has been promoted for different reasons in different times in history, such as preparation for war, sporting events, and other things (Bouchard, 1999). It has always, however, been promoted for higher health and wellness. The human organism was designed to be physically active. According to some anthropologists the need to be active is associated with the need to find food, fight predators, and to run to safety (Cooper, 1968).
However, as countries have developed and become more technologically advanced the need to find food, fight predators, and run to safety has become almost nonexistent. Technology has freed people from the need for physical labor that was used by previous generations to gather food and provide shelter. As a result sedentary behaviors have increased as the need for physical labor has decreased. Many people don’t just go out to exercise anymore. The increase of desk jobs has also decreased the levels of physical activity, fitness, and exercise. Many of these problems I have mentioned are problems and perceptions of a technologically advanced society. Perceptions would be different in a society that is still developing like Tonga.
Many people also believe that exercise, physical activity, and fitness are all the same thing. They are all different concepts and many times people confuse them. A lot of the time they use them interchangeably. In the article, “Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Fitness: Definitions and Distinctions for Health-Related Research”, it provides definitions and explains how these three terms are different from each other. According to Dr. Caspersen, Dr. Powell, and Dr. Christenson, physical activity is defined as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure. The energy expenditure can be measured in kilocalories.
Physical activity in daily life can be categorized into occupational, sports, conditioning, household, or other activities. Exercise is a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive and has as a final or an intermediate objective the improvement or maintenance of physical fitness. Physical fitness is a set of attributes that are either health- or skill-related”. My project will be exploring the perceptions of these three terms and how they are defined cross-culturally in the Tongan context.
Tonga is one of the last monarchial societies. Tonga is an agrarian society and they live off of the land and the sea. It is full of rural communities that aren’t fully developed and technologically advanced. They are in an in between stage. Technology is starting to develop but the old needs for physical activity are still in effect. This study would uncover the perceptions of this country as it attempts to adapt to the technologic changes around them. As I have tried to research physical activity in Tonga, I have found that there are few sources on Tonga let alone on physical activity in Tonga. Very little is written about Tonga and this study will not only add to the literature about Tonga but it will uncover perceptions about physical activity that might exist from a Tongan’s perspective, how physical activity is incorporated in the culture, and how physical activity plays a role in a rural community.
Methodology/Procedures:
Description of Entry
When I get to Tonga I want to immediately immerse myself in to the culture and move from “honored guest” to part of the family. I think helping the family around the house and doing things with them is the quickest way to become part of the family. Also going with the women to the reefs to gather food and just chat with them. I also want to become involved in the community throughout my time in Tonga by participating in various activities such as weddings, celebrations, funerals, and doing things that other Tongans do. Things like shopping, going to church, swimming, and doing work that needs to be done. Potential sensitivities specific to the program might be the lack of technological advances and also the cultural beliefs that differ from mine. Some of these beliefs could be the different taboos that exist between different members of society or of my host family treating me like an honored guest and not letting me get involved with the family.
Description of Informants
The subjects that will be in my study will be 15-30 adults aged 18 and older living in villages around Vava’u. I want to specifically talk with adults in various places such as the reefs, weaving houses, doctors in hospitals, teachers/coaches in schools, people who work desk jobs, my host family, and neighboring families that live around me.
Description of Sampling and Recruitment
Subjects will not be excluded based on gender. The two basic ways of recruiting subjects that I’m going to use is convenience sampling by talking to people walking by or anyone I come in contact with. I will use snowball sampling by talking to my host family and others to see if they know of anyone else that might be interested in participating or could help me get information. Observations will also play a part in recruiting subjects for my study. I also hope to enter into the schools and hospital to talk to teachers, coaches, and doctors about their perceptions as well.
Description of Method
Data collection:
Participant observation- I will spend the first several weeks entering the community and
learning about the culture. I will make observations and participate in different cultural activities
such as cooking food, cleaning the house, playing games, gathering food, being with the family,
attending church, attending parties or celebrations, and any other cultural activities that might
come up. This will allow me time to enter the community and build friendships with my host
family and those I work with. Through these observations I hope to gain a better understanding
of the common perceptions or thoughts about physical activity that will give me better ideas of
questions I could ask when I do informal interviews. This method will also be helpful in gaining
insights I might not gain by just talking with someone. I will not only be able to observe physical
activity but experience it. I will spend about 1-2 hours a night writing up my observations.
Informal Interviews- Throughout my study I will also be using informal interviews to
gather information about different perceptions of physical activity. I will use this by talking to
random people I meet in various circumstances and places. These informal interviews should not
last longer than 30 minutes but will vary depending on the informant. See appendix for example
questions. I hope to be able to gain a better understanding of the way Tongan’s perceive physical
activity by asking them questions that might lead into other more descriptive answers. It will also
give me possible ideas of activities to talk about during my semi-formal interviews.
Domain Analysis- With each of the 15-30 participants I will conduct 3-4 semi-structured
interviews. The first couple visits will be getting to know the informant. After 2-3 visits I will use domain analysis specifically free listing where they will be asked to list activities in certain categories (work, play, social, etc.). I will also have my informants pile sort a stack of various activities into their own categories. See appendix for examples of categories and lists. These activities will provide information on what things Tongan’s might consider work, play, social activities, things they might feel as obligations, or just plain fun.
Ethics:
The information I learn will be documented in a notebook. No one but the PI and the primary
mentor will have access to the information. Informal interviews will be conducted in public
places and any sensitive subjects will not be discussed. No identifying information will be used
in the research. Once my study is complete the information I have will not be used for anything
other than a final paper and for analysis.
Prior to conducting the domain analysis interviews I will obtain consent from my
participants. I will briefly explain what I am doing and ask them if they would be interested in
participating. If they say no I will politely thank them for their time and move on. If they say yes
I will hand them the consent form and explain it. In the consent form it will further explain my
project. There will be places where it will also explain to the participants that they can stop
answering questions at any time and if there is information they don’t want me to use then I
won’t. If they agree they will sign the document and I will proceed.
My research doesn’t present more than minimal risk to the participant. I do recognize what I
will be asking of the participant and will respect their time. Potential benefits to society could be
a better understanding of the perceptions of physical activity cross-culturally as well as adding to
the literature about Tonga.
There will not be any compensation given. I recognize what I will be asking of my informants and understand that I can’t take advantage of them or become a burden. I also understand that participation is a sacrifice of their time and will practice a culturally appropriate form of reciprocity.
Preliminary Plans for Post-field Application:
I hope to be able to use the knowledge I gain through this field study to help me in my future jobs teaching physical education in schools. I hope to gain an idea of the different perceptions of physical activity that might exits cross-culturally so I can understand my students better and broaden my own perspectives about physical activity. I plan to present my findings in the Inquiry Conference and maybe also be published in the Inquiry Journal as well.
Qualifications and Limitations:
I am seeking a Physical Education Teaching/Coaching degree in the Teacher Education department and am interested in learning about the perceptions of physical activity cross-culturally. I have taken a Human Development class that has taught me about different ways people develop and how they become who they are. This has prepared me to have more of an understanding of different people and development patterns. I have also taken an Anthrofilms class where we watched movies about different cultures and discussed the cultural differences. It gave me a better perspective on how to handle cultural differences. I am currently taking a field studies prep class that is preparing me to enter the field by teaching me appropriate ways to enter the community and ways to handle cultural differences. It has also provided me with a background knowledge of methodological skills and ways to practice them. I am also taking an Introduction to Tongan class where I have not only learned about the language but about the culture as well. Limitations might include language barriers since the course was an introduction and not an extensive study of Tongan.
Faculty Mentors and Coursework:
Primary Faculty Mentor- Ron Hagar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Sciences and has conducted and published research related to determinants of physical activity and exercise in children and adults. Currently, Ron is the Exercise and Wellness Program Director of the Department of Exercise Science. He is also the undergraduate faculty internship advisor for Exercise and Wellness. He was also a chair on the Human Subjects Internal Review Board at Dakota State University. He is also a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). He is a journal reviewer for the Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, the Journal of Physical Activity & Health, and the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. He presented on a number of different health and wellness topics including “Why Older Adults Participate in Regular Physical Activity”. He published many journals including The Effect of Leisure-Based Screen Time on Physical Activity in the American Journal of Health Education as well as Television Viewing and Physical Activity in Children in the Journal of Adolescent Health. I was lead to Dr. Hager by a referral from another professor because of his experience with cross cultural research. He has published many books and has a lot of experience with research about physical activity and health. Other Faculty- I am also taking a Cultural Proofs class from Joe Ostraff while I am in the field. He has spent the last twenty years studying in Tonga and will help me understand the cultural differences I might run into while I am in the field. He will also be able to give me ideas of how best to go about certain things and how to handle myself while I am in the field.
Course Contracts- I will be taking an academic internship from Ron Hager. This internship will allow me to go out into the field and to experience perceptions of physical activity cross-culturally. I am also taking Cultural Proofs from Joe Ostraff. This class will enable me to participate and observe cultural activities. I will be able to write up my experiences and thoughts about the cultural activities I participate in. Joe will also provide better insights into the Tongan culture because of the amount of time and experiences he has had in Tonga. The other class I will be taking will be from Ashley Tolman. I will be required to post three times on a blog throughout my time in the field. This will allow me to touch base and to make sure I am staying on task with my project.
Schedule:
April 11 Project proposal submission.
April 13 Last day of class
April 20 Field Study Prep final.
April 25- May 6 Prepare and get things ready for Tonga.
May 8 Fly out of Salt Lake and Los Angeles.
May 11 Arrive in Vava’u, Tonga.
May 11- June 5 Assimilate into the culture as best I can while participating in cultural activities. Participant observations will also happen during this time and continue on throughout my time in Tonga. I will also observe different people that might become participants in my study. I will spend two hours a night writing up my observations.
June 6- Aug 6 During this time I will be working on my project conducting domain analysis activities as well as informal interviews.
June 6- June 29 I will begin to conduct informal interviews trying to talk to at least three people every week.
June 6- 17 Start the first 2-3 semi-structured interviews getting to know the participants.
June 20- July 11 Conduct the rest of the semi-structured interviews with participants doing the domain analysis activities.
July 12- 19 Start the first 2-3 semi-structured interviews with doctors, teachers, and coaches.
July 20- 30 conduct the rest of the semi-structured interviews with the doctors, teachers, and coaches doing the domain analysis activities.
August 1-10 Finish up data collection and write-ups.
Aug 15 Leave Tonga
September 5-23 Data analysis
Oct 3- Nov 25 Work on writing the final paper.
Nov 28- Dec 14 Final paper revisions
December 15 Final paper submission
January 9 Prepare to present
Inquiry Conference- Present my project findings
Budget:
· Travel $2,288.06
· Lodging/Food $500
· Immunizations $100
· Tuition $2,140
· Project materials $50
· Communication $40
· Visa $100
· Total expenses $5,218.06
Works Cited:
Blair S. N. (1993). "C. H. McCloy Research Lecture: Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Health." Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 64(4):365–376
Bouchard, C. (1999). "Heredity and Health Related Fitness." In Toward a Better Understanding of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity, eds. C. B Corbin and R. P. Pangrazi. Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb-Hathaway Publishers.
Caspersen, Carl J. "Definitions: Health, Fitness and Physical Activity." President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest 3:1–8. Web. 2000.
Caspersen, Carl J., Kenneth E. Powell, and Gregory M. Christenson. "Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Fitness: Definitions and Distinctions for Health-Related Research." Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1424733/pdf/pubhealthrep00100-0016.pdf>.
Cooper, K. H. (1968). Aerobics. New York: M. Evans. Corbin, C. B., and Lindsey, R. (1997). Fitness for Life, 4th edition. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Co.
Dalleck, Lance C., and Len Kravitz. "History of Fitness." Web. 11 Apr. 2011. <http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/history.html>.
Henderson, Karla A., and Barbara E. Ainsworth. "A Synthesis of Perceptions About Physical Activity Among Older African American and American Indian Women -- Henderson and Ainsworth 93 (2): 313." American Journal of Public Health. Feb. 2003. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/full/93/2/313>.
Paffenbarger, R. S., and Hyde, R. T. (1980). "Exercise and Prevention against Heart Attack." New England Journal of Medicine 302:1026–102
Shalala, Donna E. "Physical Activity and Health: Chapter 2 Introduction." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 17 Nov. 1999. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/intro2.htm>.
"Tonga." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Central Intelligence Agency, 22 June 2010. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga>.
Appendices:
Appendix A: Primary Faculty Mentor Form
Appendix B: Course Contracts
Appendix C: Methodological Tools (if applicable)
Appendix D: Address and Title of Online Portfolio
Appendix E: IRB/IACUC Approval Letter and Application
Appendix C: Methodological Tools
Example Categories for Free Listing
· Work
· Play
· Social
· Survival
· Obligations
· Fun
Example Lists for Pile Sorting
· The Bush
· The reefs
· Walking into town
· Sports
· Rugby
· Volleyball
· Games
· Walking
· Swimming
· Running
· Cooking
· Cleaning
· Farming
· Tapa clothe
· Food
· Talking
· Laughing
· Joking
· Visiting friends
· Being with relatives
· Birthdays
· Holidays
· Fishing
· Boats
· Pigs
Sample Interview Questions
1. What activities do you participate in daily? Weekly? Monthly?
2. What are your favorite activities?
3. Are there activities you do as a family?
4. What activities do you do with your friends?
5. What are your favorite games to play?
6. Do you participate in sports?
7. Which ones are your favorites?
8. Do you like to run? Swim? Climb? Bike?
9. How do you get food?
10. What is working in the bush/reefs like?
11. How do you get places like town, church, or friends/relatives homes?
12. How often do you go to those places?
Appendix D: Address and Title of Online Portfolio
-anniestonganadventures.blogspot.com
-Title: Tonga
