Measuring perception of elements in outdoor environments

Abstract

The meanings of 10 concepts that describe elements of natural outdoor environments were measured with the semantic differential technique. Each concept was evaluated on three factors of meaning - evaluation, potency, and activity. Sixty recreationists were surveyed from each of three user groups - campers, picnickers, and wilderness hikers. Similarities and differences were found in the way in which the groups perceived each other and elements of recreation environments. Study results should contribute toward a better understanding of the way in which people relate to outdoor environments and what they expect from those environments.

Citation

Moeller, George H.; MacLachlan, Robert; Morrison, Douglas A. 1974. Measuring perception of elements in outdoor environments. Res. Pap. NE-289. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 9p.