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Browsing by Author "Roggenbuck, Joseph W."

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    The 1977 Virginia Outdoor Recreation Demand Survey
    Roggenbuck, Joseph W. (Virginia Tech. Division of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, 1978)
    Knowledge of the present and projected public demand for outdoor recreation is a key element in the planning of a comprehensive system of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Virginia. Public preferences for outdoor recreation experiences have changed dramatically in recent years, and formal measures of demand at any point in time remain only approximate. Nevertheless, demand analyses that are based upon the premise of satisfying public needs--as the public defines them--have a solid basis in the traditions and policies of governmental service agencies, and do provide a general guide for the planning, acquisition and development of outdoor recreation lands and facilities. This outdoor recreation demand booklet, published by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, in cooperation with the Virginia Commission of Outdoor Recreation, has three general purposes. The first is to provide federal, state and local agencies and organizations with responsibilities for the provision of outdoor recreation services with guidelines on current and projected demand for recreation activities by state, region, and locality. The second is to make the demand estimates easily available to agencies and organizations whose responsibilities do not include outdoor recreation but whose activities may impinge upon that system. Finally, the data contained here should be useful in various research activities, special studies, and teaching regarding the Virginia outdoor recreation system.
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    The 1977 Virginia Outdoor Recreation Needs Assessment
    Roggenbuck, Joseph W. (Virginia Tech. Division of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, 1978)
    This outdoor recreation needs assessment booklet, published by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, in cooperation with the Virginia Commission of Outdoor Recreation, has three general purposes. Its primary purpose is to provide guidelines on the amount and location of current and projected needs for additional outdoor recreational opportunities to federal, state, and local agencies and organizations with responsibilities for the provision of outdoor recreation services. The second is to make the needs estimates easily available to agencies and organizations whose responsibilities do not include outdoor recreation, but whose activities may impinge upon that system. Finally, the data contained here should be useful in various research activities, special studies, and teaching regarding the Virginia outdoor recreation system. Need for outdoor recreation land and facilities, as defined in this booklet, represents the difference between demand for and supply of outdoor recreation opportunities. As such, a needs assessment requires the previous calculation of present and projected recreation demand and a thorough inventory of existing recreation supply. These analyses were accomplished in 1977 and have been published as the 1977 Virginia Outdoor Recreation Demand Survey and the 1977 Virginia Outdoor Recreation Inventory. Copies of these booklets are available from the Virginia Commission of Outdoor Recreation. Since the needs estimates are dependent upon the ever-changing demand for and supply of outdoor recreation lands and facilities, the figures contained in this booklet are only approximate. The estimates should be viewed as providing general guidelines for decision-making, and not as precise measures of current deficiencies in the state's outdoor recreation system.
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    An Adaptive Assessment of Visitor Impacts to Protected Areas
    Reid, Scott Edmonds (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-25)
    As an applied approach to recreation management, adaptive management allows researchers and protected area managers to cooperatively improve management policies, and achieve the dual mandate to protect natural resources and provide high-quality recreational experiences. Through an evaluation of the efficacy of campsite and campfire management policies, this research provides land managers with an empirical assessment to aid in the adaptation and improvement of their visitor management strategies. Results from the Shenandoah National Park camping management study suggest that an established camping visitor containment strategy succeeded in reducing the areal extent of camping impacts while minimizing restrictions on visitor campsite selection options. Findings from the campfire research in seven protected areas indicate that current campfire policies have been largely ineffectual at reducing resource damage, and may exact a heavy toll in visitor experiences via campfire restrictions. The incorporation of resource and social research in this research offers a holistic approach to the evaluation of management objectives and affords protected area managers a more balanced perspective on the assessment of their policies. The conclusions reached by this integrated research will provide land managers with germane and timely information that will allow them to adapt their policies to better achieve their recreation management objectives.
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    An application of behavioral decision theory to recreation site selection
    Watson, Alan E. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1983)
    The purpose of this research was to provide an understanding of past efforts to predict recreation choice behavior. Additionally, from this past research in recreation and in the fields of psychology and consumer behavior, a lexicographic semi-order model was selected and tested for applicability in approximating recreation site choices. Testinq this model required initial work in deciding upon physical, social, and managerial attributes of a recreation site which may be relevant to a choice decision. A framework was developed to analyze the multitude of studies dealing with recreation site attributes. Using a microcomputer based data collection instrument in a laboratory situation, the lexicographic semi-order choice model was found to be successful in predicting the elimination of alternatives from a choice set. There was a negative relationship between the level of experience an individual had in backcountry use in the Southern Appalachians and the specificity with which they perceived attributes of the resource. The lexicographic semi-order choice model appears to be a feasible format for developing microcomputer-based decision aids for backcountry recreation site selection.
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    Authenticity and Experience among Visitors at a Historic Village
    Harvey, William Robert (Virginia Tech, 1998-08-18)
    This study examines the concept of authenticity as applied at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (ACHNHP). Based on past theoretical research, a functional definition of authenticity is used in an effort to test whether or not visitors to the park come for reasons relating to authenticity. Further analyses are used to determine the relative importance of authenticity to other motivational reasons for visiting the park, and how the level of authenticity experienced at ACHNHP affects how respondents rate the importance and performance of many park setting attributes. Using motivation for authenticity and importance/performance variables as predictors, visitor knowledge, perceptions of crowding and conflict, and overall satisfaction are assessed. The results suggest that while authenticity is important for park visitors, experience outputs are difficult to forecast because of correlation among independent variables and homogeneity of park visitors. Recommendations are made for future researchers when examining the concept of authenticity.
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    Challenging the modern paradigm: turning to Aldo Leopald and flyfishing literature for a new approach to landscape aesthetics
    Hoerup, Jennifer L. (Virginia Tech, 1995-05-01)
    This paper proposes that the cultural understanding of nature under the Modern paradigm is inadequate. I propose that the result of this deficient representation of nature has been the degradation of the environment and our culture. The degradation of the environment is well studied, but I suggest that our culture is degraded by limited contact with nature and the loss of nature as a potential source of value and source of meaning. This paper explores the writings of several philosophers and social critics who support this supposition. In order to develop a more representative understanding of nature this paper suggests that landscape architects study Aldo Leopold's theory of landscape aesthetics. Leopold's concept of experiential knowledge is discussed as a means of offering our culture a deeper appreciation of nature, but also as a means for landscape architects to improve their own education and design process. Based on the experiences of flyfishers this paper suggests that the practice of Leopold's landscape aesthetic is both possible and fulfilling.
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    Conceptual Development and Empirical Testing of an Outdoor Recreation Experience Model: The Recreation Experience Matrix (REM)
    Walker, Gordon James (Virginia Tech, 1997-03-31)
    This dissertation examines four issues, including: (a) whether outdoor recreation experiences not included in the Recreation Experience Preference (REP) scales exist; (b) whether these experiences can be categorized using a framework called the Recreation Experience Matrix (REM); (c) how well the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) variables of activity, setting, and expertise explain the types of experiences outdoor recreationists receive; and (d) how well two new variables--primary mode and mode dependence--explain the types of experiences outdoor recreationists receive. In order to address these issues, an on-site questionnaire was distributed at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Virginia during October and November, 1995 A total of 410 people completed this questionnaire. Of these, 336 provided useable addresses for a follow-up mail-out questionnaire, with 169 (50.3%) actually returning it. After performing a variety of statistical analyses, it was found that: (a) some outdoor recreationists did report having non-REP experiences involving identity, cognition, absorption, and self-concept; (b) indirect support does exist for classifying outdoor recreation experiences using the REM framework; and (c) the ROS variables of activity, setting, and expertise, do explain some outdoor recreation experiences, as do the new variables of primary mode and mode dependence.
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    The Effectiveness of Two Interventions on Reducing Deer Feeding Behavior by Park Visitors
    Hockett, Karen Sue (Virginia Tech, 2000-02-21)
    Seeing wildlife in our Nation's parks is often a highlight of many visitors' trips, but close range human - wildlife interactions can have negative consequences for both wildlife and people. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two interventions (fear and moral appeals) designed to reduce the feeding of deer by visitors in Shenandoah National Park by measuring changes in visitor attitudes and behavior. The study was conducted from July - September 1999 in a campground and picnic area, by placing the interventions (a small sign) on all picnic tables. Visitor attitudes and beliefs about the different components of the fear and moral appeal interventions were assessed by conducting surveys of campers under each experimental condition (control, moral appeal, and fear appeal). The impact of the interventions on behavior was tested in the picnic area by observing the responses of visitors to deer that frequently begged for food. Under current Park intervention conditions, visitors generally believe that feeding deer is not healthy for the deer. They have considerably less knowledge about potential threats to themselves from feeding deer. The fear appeal significantly changed attitudes about the risks to people (ANOVA, p=0.001). Under control conditions the majority (63%) of groups picnicking fed deer. Although the fear appeal produced an attitude change, it did not reduce feeding behavior by visitors (39% fed) as much as the moral appeal did (25% fed). The conflicting results between attitude and behavior change strongly suggest that researchers need to measure behavior and not just attitudes.
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    An evaluation of the effectiveness of an urban environmental education program for inner city children
    Dombroski, Jane Elizaabeth (Virginia Tech, 1995-04-15)
    This study measured gain in environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions during an environmental education program for inner city children. The ten-day day camp consisted of environmental education activities implemented at local community natural areas and more distant field trip locations. Three "pencil-and-paper" tests were administered in a pretest/posttest fashion; one measuring environmental knowledge, one measuring attitudes, and another measuring behavioral intentions. Raw test scores revealed children gained in knowledge, but already possessed very positive environmentally sensitive attitudes and behavioral intentions before the program. Children exhibited little gain in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions in a statistical sense. Parents responded very favorably to the program, indicating their reasons for enrolling their children were well satisfied. A small amount of support was found suggesting that the more parents indicated they were involved with their children about the program content, the less their children learned. Moderate support was found suggesting that children learned more when their parents enrolled them to learn about nature. A small amount of support was found suggesting test scores increased as the number of previous family nature visits increased. Finally, little support was found for a positive relationship between the level of children's interest in nature and the amount they learned. It is suggested that future environmental education programs for inner city children should be long-term, helping guide children through the entire environmental education process. Future program evaluation should include a pilot test of the program and evaluation instruments and also employ a variety of assessment instruments and procedures.
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    An Exploration of Developed Forest Camping Experiences and Meanings in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Garst, Barry Austin (Virginia Tech, 2005-05-03)
    Developed forest camping has received little attention in the recreation research since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Changes in socio-demographics, technology, and the public's expectations for amenities over the past forty years suggested that the nature of the developed camping experience may have changed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand the modern developed forest camping experience and associated meanings and the influence of technology on developed forest camping. In-depth interviews were conducted in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area with thirty-eight camping groups in three campgrounds which varied in their level of development. Developed forest camping experiences were described by participants as a combination of what they were doing (i.e., activities), who they were interacting with (i.e., social interaction), where they were camping (i.e., setting), and what they were feeling while they were there (i.e., psychological states/feelings). The camping experience occurred in stages and it emerged over the course of participants' trips, with emotional highs and lows. Camping was a social experience, with participants defining much of their experience in terms of who they were with. The developed camping experience was influenced by the natural environment, particularly scenic beauty and other aesthetic setting qualities. The majority of participants in this study suggested that they were able to get a nature-based experience even in highly developed camp settings in which large motor homes, televisions, and satellite dishes were common. Participants used a range of camping gear and electronics, and this technology was important to promote comfort and conveniences and for a distraction during inclement weather. The associated meanings of developed forest camping were restoration (i.e., rest, escape, and recovery), family functioning, special places, self-identity, social interaction, experiencing nature, association of God and nature, novelty, and the opportunity for children to learn. Restoration was the most commonly expressed meaning across all three campground types. The most commonly expressed life-context meanings were restoration and sharing positive family memories and stories. These family memories and stories often developed into important camping traditions. Recommendations for recreation managers, study limitations, and opportunities for future research are identified and discussed.
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    Exploring the Structure and Development of Management Prescriptions for Public Lands
    Cahill, Kerri Lynn (Virginia Tech, 2003-09-12)
    Management prescriptions that describe desired conditions for resources and visitor experiences have become widely accepted as an important component of public land management plans. However, very little effort is spent on evaluating and learning about this part of the planning process. This research identifies and addresses the need to explore opportunities for additional guidance on the development of management prescriptions, by (1) evaluating the current perception of the purpose of management prescriptions; (2) developing criteria and other tools to guide the development of management prescriptions based on the experiences of public land management professionals; and (3) testing an alternative method for collecting visitor preference data regarding social, resource and management conditions to inform development of management prescriptions. The first two papers report the results of a visitor preference study, using the stated choice method, conducted in Acadia National Park. The purpose of the first paper is to identify visitor preferences for tradeoffs among social, resource and related management conditions of the recreation setting. The purpose of the second paper is to identify differences among visitor preferences for social, resource and management conditions in various recreation settings. By considering the integrative nature of these attributes and the relative importance to visitors across recreation settings, the definition of management prescriptions can be better informed. To further investigate the results of the stated choice method and ensure the validity of the data, a verbal protocol assessment was applied to a sample of the stated choice survey respondents. The purpose of the third paper is to reexamine the role of management prescriptions for park management planning and investigate tools for facilitating development of management prescriptions. The study included in-depth interviews, participant observation of a three-day planning workshop and a written survey. All of the participants in the various components of the study were National Park Service land management professionals. The study resulted in a list of the purpose and criteria for management prescriptions and a related menu of desired condition topics, which will be integrated into planning guidance to aid the development of unique and effective management prescriptions for national parks.
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    Influence of Interpretation on Visitors' Knowledge Gain and Respect for Fossil Resources in a National Monument
    Hockett, Karen Sue (Virginia Tech, 2008-01-28)
    This two-part research project evaluated the effectiveness of interpretive messages at Fossil Butte National Monument in conveying knowledge about the place and its resources and promoting respect for the fossil resource. The first study measured the short and long-term knowledge gains from a trip to the Visitor Center and the influence of a specially designed fossil respect message on the fossil protection beliefs of Monument visitors. The Visitor Center was successful in conveying information about the fossil resource and story of Fossil Lake, and that knowledge was retained for at least several weeks. However, neither the Visitor Center nor the special message, were successful in improving the fossil respect beliefs of respondents. The second study combined a visitor survey with direct observations of visitor behavior to evaluate the effectiveness of interpretive materials along a nature trail in improving the knowledge of ancient Fossil Lake, increasing fossil respect beliefs, and reducing depreciative behaviors. Six different treatments were applied that evaluated an interpretive sign, box of fossils that visitors were invited to touch, and participation in an interactive interpretive program. Only the interpretive program increased knowledge of the Fossil Lake story. None of the trail interpretive materials improved fossil respect beliefs. The sign was somewhat effective in reducing entry into a closed research quarry. While it is generally thought that those most knowledgeable about natural resources will have the higher resource protection beliefs, Fossil Butte visitors who reported being the most interested in fossils had the greatest knowledge of the Fossil Lake story but had the lowest fossil protection beliefs. Therefore, there was some evidence that fossil enthusiasts were the least likely to respect the resource.
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    Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods to Inform Management of the Cadillac Mountain Summit, Acadia National Park
    Bullock, Steven David (Virginia Tech, 2006-06-21)
    Included in this thesis are two papers describing companion studies which employed complementary methodologies to study the issue of how Acadia National Park might balance resource protection efforts and maintain quality visitor experiences on the summit of Cadillac Mountain. In the first study, stated choice analysis was used to assess visitors' preferences for alternative combinations of public access, resource protection, visitor regulation, and site hardening to manage the Cadillac Mountain summit. Results suggest that visitors consider resource protection to be a priority and are willing to accept regulation of their behavior onsite, reinforced with the use of moderately to highly intensive management structures, but generally don't support limiting public access to the summit to achieve resource protection objectives. In the second study, qualitative interviews were conducted to provide an in-depth understanding of visitor experiences on the summit of Cadillac Mountain and how site management actions designed to achieve resource protection objectives might affect visitors' experiences. Respondents indicated that the summit of Cadillac Mountain is a centerpiece of Acadia National Park, and their experiences of the mountain summit are centered around the aesthetics and naturalness of Cadillac Mountain. Several factors emerged as influencing whether site management actions are deemed appropriate by visitors and perceived to affect visitors' experiences. In particular, site management structures that were perceived to blend in with the surroundings, be constructed of natural materials and protect vegetation were considered appropriate and of little consequence to visitors' experiences. Some study participants also suggested that site management structures that provide visitors with the opportunity to freely demonstrate their choice to help protect vegetation and soils can enhance visitors' experiences. In contrast, site management structures and actions perceived as being regulatory, confining, or limiting opportunities for visitors to choose to help protect vegetation resources were considered less appropriate and more likely to negatively affect visitors' experiences.
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    Knowledge and Meanings of Wilderness and Wildlife Refuges among Okefenokee Visitors on guided Intrepretive Tours
    Kennon, Rachel Brooke (Virginia Tech, 2002-04-24)
    Past research has shown that interpretive tour visitors at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge do no better than other visitors on knowledge and value questions about federal wilderness areas and national wildlife refuges. Tours into the Okefenokee Swamp Wilderness are conducted by a National Wildlife Refuge concessionaire. Interpretive tour guides participated in a training session on the purposes and values of wilderness and wildlife refuges. Visitors who took guided interpretive tours in the spring of 2001 with trained and untrained guides completed knowledge surveys immediately after taking the boat tour. Results indicate that there were no differences in visitor knowledge scores with trained versus untrained guides. A small sample of interpretive tour visitors was also interviewed in an effort to understand the meanings they ascribe to wilderness. Visitors were able to describe and articulate their views of wilderness with considerable clarity. Recommendations for future research include monitoring the guides' interpretive messages, conducting more in-depth interviews with visitors and guides, assessing visitors' and guides' prior knowledge of wilderness and wildlife refuge purposes and values, and developing guide training based on the principles of persuasive communication.
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    Marketing in the Forest Service: a focus on agency image
    Hirsch, Gwen N. (Virginia Tech, 1990-04-15)
    This paper examines the issue of a popularly held negative image of the USDA Forest Service. Examples from a variety of media vehicles are included to support the claim that a negative image is prevalent. There is also considerable anecdotal evidence to suggest that many people have only the vaguest idea of what the Forest Service is all about. The adoption of a marketing perspective is proposed to increase awareness of the agency and its functions. An agency-wide customer service orientation is suggested and a public relations effort is proposed. The goal of a public relations campaign for the Forest Service is to provide an accurate depiction of the agency. Suggestions are offered for implementing a marketing perspective in order to overcome the Forest Service's negative image. These suggestions include adopting a customer service orientation, implementing an internal marketing program, providing more information to the public, and making changes in Forestry education.
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    Measuring the multiple, deep, and unfolding aspects of the wilderness experience using the experience sampling method
    Borrie, William T. (Virginia Tech, 1995-07-02)
    This study of the wilderness visitors to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia sought to better define the dimensions of the lived wilderness experience, and the modes in which it is experienced; to understand the dynamics of the wilderness experience and how the wilderness experience changes across time; and to examine the relationship between the wilderness experience and ideal leisure. Because of people's apparent difficulty in accurately reporting experiences after the visit, the Experience Sampling Method was the primary data collection procedure. Six aspects of the wilderness experience were identified, inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, AIdo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, and other wilderness writers: oneness, primitiveness, humility, timelessness, solitude, and care. Five modes of experiencing the wilderness were developed based on the work of environmental psychology and leisure scholars: focus on self (introspection), focus on others (socialness), focus on task (task orientation), focus on emotions (emotional intensity), and focus on environment (environmental sensitivity). Confirmatory factor analysis, principal component analysis and reliability analyses were carried out to assess the stability and meaningfulness of the scales used to operationalize these dimensions. Sixty-two visitors were asked to carry and respond to the study questionnaire during multiple moments of their visit to the Okefenokee Wilderness. Oneness, humility, timelessness, and care appeared to be pertinent dimensions of the wilderness experience, as were the more traditionally measured values of solitude and primitiveness. Using a repeated measures analysis of variance, time was a significant factor in determining item response, thus demonstrating the dynamic nature of the wilderness experience. Ideal or peak leisure, operationalized by a combination of three measures of leisure (intrinsic motivation, perceived freedom, and connotative leisure) and high levels of intensity, was found to be correlated with raised feelings of oneness, humility, primitiveness, and solitude. The Experience Sampling Method identified important multiple dimensions of the wilderness experience, and demonstrated the dynamic nature of the experience more vividly than past post-hoc measures. However, the study also identified potential problems of ESM as a data collection instrument in wilderness : concerns of obtrusiveness on the visitor’s experience, behavioral reactance, and respondent compliance.
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    Minimizing Visitor Impacts to Protected Lands: An Examination of Site Management and Visitor Education Methods
    Daniels, Melissa Lynn (Virginia Tech, 2004-04-30)
    This thesis contains two studies that explore different methods of visitor management in recreation. The management strategies studied here are both relatively indirect approaches intended to minimize the environmental and social impacts that visitors cause in protected areas. The Annapolis Rocks study focuses on visitors' evaluations of a site management strategy that shifted camping from a flat, open area to constructed side-hill campsites. A visitor questionnaire was administered before and after the treatment to determine visitors' ratings of importance and satisfaction for various campsite attributes. We found some evidence of visitor displacement but concluded that the site management strategy supported the intentions of the managers. The Leave No Trace study evaluates the effectiveness of the Trainer courses in improving the knowledge, ethics, and behavior of the participants and encouraging them to teach others in the community. This study employed pre-course, post-course, and follow-up questionnaires to evaluate the participants' short-term and long-term gains from the course. Trainer course participants showed significant short-term and long-term gains from the course, with a slight decline in the total gain four months after the course. The participants showed improvements in low-impact behaviors, suggesting that education is an effective visitor management strategy. These studies demonstrate that managers can be successful at controlling visitor impacts without relying on stringent regulations and enforcement.
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    Motivation, Retention, and Program Recommendations of Save our Streams Volunteers
    Roggenbuck, Joseph W.; Haas, Steven C.; Hall, T. E.; Hull, Robert Bruce IV (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, 2001-05)
    A survey of the Save Our Streams (SOS) volunteers in Virginia documented their socioeconomic characteristics, their reasons for volunteering, their level of participation in SOS monitoring and other volunteering, their assessment of the validity and reliability of the SOS water quality monitoring procedures, and suggestions for program improvement. Common reasons for SOS involvement were to protect the environment, learning, teaching, be of service, and nature enjoyment. The most common length of participation in the SOS program was one to three years. Most volunteers felt that the SOS’s recommended procedures provided accurate measures of stream health, and most felt they did the monitoring procedures quite or very well. However, about one-third of all SOS volunteers monitored a stream less than once a year; about 20% did so the recommended four times a year. Volunteers generally rated program services provided by SOS as quite high. Program changes most favored included standardized training procedures across all of Virginia, and lobbying government agencies to use volunteer data to protect streams. A second tier of preferred services included special guest speakers about water and environmental quality, an annual meeting for all volunteer water monitoring groups in Virginia, paid full-time SOS regional coordinators, and random field spot-checks of the SOS volunteers’ work to assure quality data. Opposed changes were an easier certification test and removing the choice from volunteers on what streams they monitor. Reasons for dropping out of the program included too many other obligations and not enough time. Differences in reasons for participation and suggestions for program improvement are reported for Rookies, Fading Veterans, Active Veterans, and All-Stars among the SOS volunteers.
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    Participation in Park Interpretive Programs and Visitors; Attitudes, Norms, and Behavior about Petrified Wood Theft
    Chandool, Neemedass (Virginia Tech, 1997-08-04)
    The purpose of this study was to understand the relationships between participation in park interpretive programs and attitudes, norms and behavior about theft of petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park (PFNP). The Theory of Reasoned Action guided the research. Data collection included observation of theft behavior, on-site interviews and mailback questionnaires. Findings indicated that more time spent at interpretive centers and programs did not result in visitors; attitudes and norms about individual acts of wood theft being more negative. Also, attitudes and norms about petrified wood theft did not vary by type of interpretive programs judged most helpful in learning the park;s story and in learning the park;s rules and regulations. Tentative evidence suggests that the norm against taking a handful of wood was stronger among individuals who cited visitor centers as their most helpful source than it was for respondents who said the same about other national park interpretive programs. Similarly, the attitude variable that it is all right to take a piece of petrified wood as long as it is a small piece did vary for two categories of interpretive programs (other national park programs and all ranger programs). Ranger programs measured significantly higher than other national park programs. The rate of theft of petrified wood was not inversely related to the amount of interpretive programs participated in and did not vary by type of interpretation judged most helpful. Finally, attitudes and norms about petrified wood theft did not shape theft behavior. However, knowing visitors; attitudes helped to predict who would be a non-thief.
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    The personality traits of wilderness leadership instructors at NOLS: the relationship to perceived instructor effectiveness and the development of self-concept in students
    Easley, Arnold Thomas (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)
    The objectives of this research were to determine if the personality traits of instructors at the National Outdoor Leadership School were related to instructor effectiveness as perceived by their students, and to determine if instructor effectiveness was related to changes in the self-concept of students who complete a NOLS course. The research used a pre-treatment/post-treatment· administration of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) to 355 students in the treatment group, where the treatment was a NOLS course. A control group of 50 students consisted of students scheduled to take a NOLS course. Significant gains in self-concept were found, using ANCOVA analysis procedures, on 7 of the 10 TSCS scales. The only scales not showing significant change were satisfaction, personal self and self-criticism. Instructor personality traits were determined using the Cattell 16PF self-report instrument and by a post-course evaluation instrument which asked for student attributions of instructor personality on a semantic differential scale. Students also rated the overall effectiveness of each instructor on their course. The student effectiveness ratings for the instructors had significant but low predictive ability when regressed against changes in self-concept. The objective 16PE personality instrument produced no significant trait differences between instructors who had effectiveness ratings above the median and those with scores below the median. The 16PF factors, as independent variables, showed significant but low predictive ability on the dependent effectiveness scores. The student-rated personality traits, however, produced very different profiles between high effectiveness instructors and lower effectiveness instructors. The student attributions of instructor personality traits produced an R² of .513 when regressed against effectiveness ratings. The major conclusions from the research were that changes in self-concept do occur as a result of a wilderness skills oriented NOLS course and secondly, that students were able to discriminate instructor effectiveness on the basis of the personality-based teaching behaviors of NOLS instructors. Recommendations for extension of this research .are presented as well as suggestions for research on broader issues of wilderness education and wilderness values.