Choices of wilderness environments -- differences between real and hypothetical choice situations

Abstract

Factors considered most critical in selecting a specific wilderness environment in which to recreate are likely to vary depending upon the type of environment involved, the range and extent of experience of the recreationists, and the situational context of the decision (whether a real or a hypothetical decision was made). This study examines differences in factors considered in choosing a wilderness environment based upon whether the choice was an actual report of behavior or a hypothetical decision. A questionnaire requesting information concerning choices of wilderness areas in which to participate was administered to two groups. A sample of 325 recreationists were contacted on-site in wilderness areas in Utah and Wyoming and asked to report on why they had actually chosen that area. The second sample was a mail survey of Utah Wilderness Association members, and requested a hypothetical decision concerning a place in which to recreate and the factors used to make that decision. Responses were analyzed for the two sets in terms of the most important factor cited in making the choice, the degree of specificity of the most important factor, the total number of factors considered important in making the choice, and the combination of attributes considered important. In all cases, significant differences were noted.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings--symposium on recreation choice behavior

Citation

Beaulieu, Jean T.; Schreyer, Richard. 1985. Choices of wilderness environments -- differences between real and hypothetical choice situations. In: Stankey, George H.; McCool, Stephen F., compilers. Proceedings--symposium on recreation choice behavior; 1984 March 22-23; Missoula, MT. General Technical Report INT-184. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. p. 38-45