Benefits and Behavior(and Recreation)

Alan Belford

PurposeCreates 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

Basic TheoryRecreation (and other behaviors) is a

psycho-physiological experience As a result it isn’t just the behavior or activity

itselfBenefits are the result of taking part in

certain activitiesThese 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

Basic Theory continued“Problem” occurs when there is a gap between the

existing state and a preferred stateA behavior (activity) may help solve this “problem”

If the “problem” is not big enough, the state may be maintainedConstraints may hinder the solutionBehavior (recreation) may help solve this “problem” by

producing benefitsThe decision to take part in behavior/activity is

purposefulChoice between alternativesNot necessarily the same as the “economic man” and may not

be totally rationalBehavior may be trial and error, habit, etc

Stuart’s Fishing Trip

Stuart goes fishing

Stuart remembers that he

likes fishing

Stuart needs a break

from work

Get away from the

office

Time alone

Sense of achieveme

nt

YumStuart thinks

he is a bonafide

hottie in his waders

Driver’s Model of Benefits and Recreation

(Driver 1976)

Some AssumptionsBehavior is not random

Even though the person may not be aware of all consequences and benefits

Many behaviors can fitUser does not have to maximize benefits

Behaviors can mitigate “problems”Behaviors produce benefits

AdvantagesHelps understand why people choose certain

activitiesConditions for certain choices

Helps define types of motivation for activitiesProduction of the Recreation Opportunities

SpectrumAnd Wilderness Opportunities Spectrum

Many practical applications to land and recreation managersImproves education, knowledge, marketingDevelop clearer management objectives

Recreation Opportunities Spectrum

Recreation Opportunities Spectrum

Some Possible Disadvantages and CriticismsDifficult to measure many benefits

Difficult to quantify if they are producedDoes 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

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.