In this article, Jacksonville State University's Stephen Bitgood discusses findings from a study that examined two aspects of the public image of visitor facilities: the expectations of what is likely to be found at different types of facilities; and, some general perceptions of these different types of visitor facilities. Facility types included science museums, history museums, historic sites, state parks, natural history museums, and art museums.
In this article, Ohio State University's Gary W. Mullins, Ph.D. discusses the importance of interpretation, a process of non-formal environmental education and visitor communication services in leisure settings, in understanding visitor behavior. Mullins cites several recent studies in this area and key findings related to better understanding the interpretive clientele.
In this article, Steven D. Moore, Ph.D. discusses the history of wilderness recreation research, based on carrying capacities and crowd expectations, and more recent approaches which rely on normative theories of human behavior. Moore discusses other research efforts to better understand the dimensions of wilderness recreation behavior and experiences.
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Steven D. Moore, Ph.D.Visitor Studies Association
In this article, Thomas A. More of the U.S. Forest Service presents a review and discussion of current research on the benefits of urban parks. More also discusses the issues of fairness in the distribution of these benefits (i.e. the less affluent receive fewer services and servies of lesser quality).
In this article, Ohio State University's John L. Heywood discusses the study of outdoor recreation and the challenges of the emerging field. Heywood also describes some of the factors and conditions that influence behavior in outdoor recreation.
This article provides a summary of William Whyte's 1980 book about Whyte's research studying New York City's urban spaces, including parks, playgrounds, and city blocks.
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William WhyteVisitor Studies Association
In this article, Lynne M. Westphal of the USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, outlines discussions exploring the interactions between plant communities and people communities at a November 1992 symposium. The symposium aimed to assess current knowledge about the active involvement of people with plants and to clarify research needs that will lead to improved program management and information delivery.
In this article, Herbter W. Schroeder, of the USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, discusses a research study conducted at the Morton Arboretum (MA), which examined landscape preferences and meanings for a group of MA users. Schroeder interprets the findings of this study and makes recommendations for MA management and exhibit developers based on this research.
In this article, Marilyn G. Hood, Ph.D., of Hood Associates, discusses two year-long studies at major outdoor settings, which offer insights into the reasons why people choose to visit botanical gardens and arboretums and what they enjoy about these visits. Hood summarizes methods and key findings from theses four-season studies, which were conducted in 1987 at the Holden Arboretum (Mentor, Ohio) and in 1989 at the Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL).
In this article, Jeff Hayward discusses the work of his evaluation group, People, Places & Design Research, in conducting visitor research of Lincoln Park on behalf of the Chicago Park District and the Recreation and Leisure Task Force. Researchers used three different methods to analyze the public's usage patterns and perceptions of Lincoln Park. Hayward outlines key findings and the value of this research project for master planning.
In this article, Jeff Hayward discusses the work of his evaluation group, People, Places & Design Research, in conducting visitor research at the New York Botanical Garden in the fall 1991 and spring 1992. Hayward shares key findings from this evaluation work and the institution's response to these findings. Hayward also includes technical details of the research studies.