Variability of the Perceived Crowding Scale

A Research Note

Bibliographic Data

ID11217213
AuthorsMichael A Tarrant (corresponding author)
Year1999
Volume21
Issue2
Pages159-164
Publication date1999-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLeisure Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0149-0400 • E-ISSN: 1521-0588
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/014904099273219
OpenAlexW2141025032
LanguageEN
Citations received10

Heberlein and Vaske's perceived crowding scale has been a useful tool to examine perceptions of crowding in a variety of recreational settings. Questions remain, however, regarding the stability of the measure across administration, time, and location. Data collected from recreational boaters on the Nantahala River were used to examine the effect of method of administration (mail-back versus on-site), response time (amount of time elapsed between on-site contact and mail-back receipt) and location (put-in, on river, and take-out) on perceived crowding. Results indicate that perceptions of crowding were consistently higher for the mail-back method than on-site. Perceived crowding was also higher on the river than at the put-in or take-out, independent of whether crowding was measured on-site or via a mail survey. There was no significant effect of response time. Implications for improving the measurement of perceived crowding and for considering the effect of location in determining carrying capacities are discussed. Keywords: Survey Research;White-water Rafting

Business · Cartography · Crowding · Crowding out · Economics · Geography · Perception · Political science · Receipt · Recreation · Scale (ratio · Evacuation and Crowd Dynamics · Noise Effects and Management · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology