The Effect of Norm-Encounter Compatability On Crowding Perceptions, Experience and Behavior in River Recreation Settings

Abstract

The concept of social norms has been used to identify the acceptable levels of use for outdoor recreation settings. Little research, however, has addressed whether norms are the basis of evaluations of the social conditions and quality of the experience. This study of recreational floaters of the New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, examines whether differences between stated norms and reported encounters influences perceptions of crowding, behaviors to avoid others, overall trip satisfaction, and type of trip received (wilderness, scenic or social). The findings generally support the hypothesis that crowding perceptions, efforts to avoid other users, and type of trip received depend on the degree of norm-encounter compatibility. These relationships were strongest for those that expected a scenic as opposed to wilderness trip. Satisfaction was not related to norm-encounter compatibility. More respondents were classified as having incompatible trips (encounters greater than norms) than rated their trip as crowded or different from their expected trip.

KEYWORDS:

• Encounter Norms
• Crowding
• River Recreation
• Carrying Capacity
• Satisfaction