Normative response and norm activation among ORV users within a seashore environment¹

Recreational use conflicts exist between pedestrians and users of motorized Off‐Road Vehicles (ORVs) at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This study attempted to examine avenues of resolution to this problem through the application of the Norm‐Activation Model developed by Schwartz. ORV users’ awareness of problems caused by their behavior (Awareness of Consequences, AC) and accepting responsibility for such problems (Ascription of Responsibility, AR) were used to predict preferences for seashore norms. Results indicate that the model may not be the most appropriate for predicting conformity to norms in a recreational situation. A more rigorous test of concepts may need to be developed in future studies of recreation experiences regarding norms and their activities.