Characterizing the Influence of Past Experience on Recreation Behavior

ABSTRACTABSTRACTThe extent of previous participation in recreational pursuits can serve as an indicator of the amount and type of information a person draws on to make decisions concerning leisure behavior. Differing patterns of participation may suggest variation in the reasons for engaging in the same type of activity. Data from a national survey of river recreationists were used to study the effects of differing amounts and types of previous experience on variables related to participation. A categorical variable created from three measures of previous experience was used. Significant differences were observed across different types of experience use history in on-site behaviors, motives for participation, subjective perceptions of the environment and of the trip, perceptions of conflict, and support for managerial intervention.