An Exploration of Flow, Knowledge Acquisition, and Transfer in the Leisure Pursuits of Science Fiction Fans

• Published in: Qualitative research in psychology 2012-04, Vol.9 (2), p.114-133
• Main Author: Little, Cindy C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ethnographic; fandom; flow; knowledge; learning; Leisure; motivation; qualitative; Qualitative research; science fiction; Science fiction & fantasy; transfer
• ISSN: 1478-0887; 1478-0895
• DOI: 10.1080/14780880903342303

The purpose of this ethnographic, cross-case study analysis was to a) explore why individuals have a sustaining interest in science fiction-related leisure activities; b) describe the role, if any, that flow plays in the continuation of these activities; c) explain how these interests initially developed; and d) determine if science fiction-related knowledge transfers to other domains. Results from field notes, photographs, and interviews with 10 science fiction fans revealed that flow was found across cases and that science fiction-related knowledge transferred to other domains-such as music, philosophy, and science. Data were analyzed through categorization of patterns within and across cases based on salient bits of text found in the field notes and interview transcripts. Patterns found on flow, development, change, evolution, and transfer clustered into one of three overarching categories that contributed to the development of and sustaining interest in science fiction-related leisure activities.