Benefits and Behavior (and Recreation)

1. Benefits and Behavior(and Recreation) Alan Belford

2. Purpose • Creates a framework from which we can understand why/how people choose based upon the benefits they receive from certain choices/behaviors. • How reinforcement, experience, and/or compromising those benefits may impact behavioral choices • To define the benefits from taking part in a certain behavior, or recreating in a certain manner

3. Basic Theory • Recreation (and other behaviors) is a psycho-physiological experience • As a result it isn’t just the behavior or activity itself • Benefits are the result of taking part in certain activities • These come in many forms (i.e. psychological, physiological, etc) • Help the user “function more effectively” • There could be “good” or “bad” experiences • Benefits are optimized when experience most closely matches desired experience

4. Basic Theory continued • “Problem” occurs when there is a gap between the existing state and a preferred state • A behavior (activity) may help solve this “problem” • If the “problem” is not big enough, the state may be maintained • Constraints may hinder the solution • Behavior (recreation) may help solve this “problem” by producing benefits • The decision to take part in behavior/activity is purposeful • Choice between alternatives • Not necessarily the same as the “economic man” and may not be totally rational • Behavior may be trial and error, habit, etc

5. Stuart’s Fishing Trip Get away from the office Stuart remembers that he likes fishing Time alone Stuart goes fishing Sense of achievement Stuart needs a break from work Yum Stuart thinks he is a bonafidehottie in his waders

6. Driver’s Model of Benefits and Recreation (Driver 1976)

7. Some Assumptions • Behavior is not random • Even though the person may not be aware of all consequences and benefits • Many behaviors can fit • User does not have to maximize benefits • Behaviors can mitigate “problems” • Behaviors produce benefits

8. Advantages • Helps understand why people choose certain activities • Conditions for certain choices • Helps define types of motivation for activities • Production of the Recreation Opportunities Spectrum • And Wilderness Opportunities Spectrum • Many practical applications to land and recreation managers • Improves education, knowledge, marketing • Develop clearer management objectives

9. Recreation Opportunities Spectrum Recreation Opportunities Spectrum

10. Some Possible Disadvantages and Criticisms • Difficult to measure many benefits • Difficult to quantify if they are produced • Does it gloss over negative effects/impacts? • Does it exaggerate leisure benefits? • Does it view humans as too rational? • Do land/recreation managers really produce the benefits? • Some question the theory and empirical support for heavy use in recreation management

11. References • Decker, D.J., Brown, T.L., Driver, B.L., and P.J. Brown. 1987. Theoretical developments in assessing social values of wildlife: Toward a comprehensive understanding of wildlife recreation involvement. In D.J. Decker and G.R. Goff. (Eds.), Valuing Wildlife: Economic and Social Perspectives. Boulder: Westview Press. • Driver, B.L. 1976. Toward a better understanding of the social benefits of outdoor recreation participation. Proceedings of the Southern States Recreation Research. Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ashville, N.C. • Driver, B.L., Bruns, D., and K. Booth. nd. Retrieved October, 2008 from http://www.prr.msu.edu/trends2000/pdf/driver/pdf • Driver, B.L., and S.R. Tocher. 1970. Toward a behavioral interpretation of recreational engagements, with implications for planning. In B.L. Driver (Ed.), Elements of Outdoor Recreation Planning. Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms Mich. • Harris, C.C., Driver, B.L., and E.P. Bergersen. 1985. Do choices of sport fisheries reflect angler preferences for site attributes? Proceedings – Symposium on Recreation Choice Behavior. Missoula, MT, March 22-23, 1984. U.S. Forest Service General Technical Report. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service Research Station. • Hendee, J.C., and Dawson, C.P. 2002. Wilderness Management: Stewardship and Protection of Resources and Values. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing. • Manfredo, M.J., Driver, B.L., and M.A. Tarrant. 1996. Measuring leisure motivation: A meta-analysis of the recreation experience preference scales. Journal of Leisure Research. 28(3): 188-213.