Survey Research in Recreation Management--Pitfalls and Potentials

Abstract

Abstract While studies of recreation users are numerous, applications of findings are not. Managers and researchers do not always agree as to what information is useful, recreation management systems do not realistically reflect behavioral considerations that are important to the user, and the political atmosphere surrounding a management situation often affects the degree to which research may actually influence decisions. Understanding recreation behavior as an "experience" can increase the utility of survey information. Where decisions may be controversial, survey research will not identify which decision should be made, but may shed light on the implications of alternative decision options.