Lori B. Shelby

Crowding as a descriptive indicator and an evaluative standard: results from 30 years of research.

This paper examined perceived crowding using 615 evaluation contexts obtained from 181 studies that used a 9-point scale. Four methods for summarizing the crowding scale were highly correlated (r ≥ .90) across all evaluation contexts. Four independent variables (year study was conducted, region of United States, country, specific activity) affected perceived crowding for both the collapsed scale and the mean of the scale. One factor, specific location of the encounter, only affected perceived crowding for the percentages, not the mean. Consumptive versus nonconsumptive activities had no effect on perceived crowding. Using capacity judgment standards, 40% of the 615 evaluation contexts were in the suppressed crowding category, 16% were over capacity and 9% were greatly over capacity.

An Extension and Further Validation of the Potential for Conflict Index

The Potential for Conflict Index (PCI) was developed to facilitate understanding and applicability of leisure, recreation, and human dimensions findings to managerial concerns. The PCI ranges from 0 (minimal potential for conflict) to 1 (maximum potential for conflict) and simultaneously describes a variables central tendency, dispersion, and shape using a graphic display. This article (a) describes applications of the original formulation of the PCI (PCI1) to illustrate the statistics practical utility, (b) introduces the second generation of the PCI (PCI2) and discusses enhancements incorporated in this version, (c) describes efforts to validate the PCI2, and (d) offers suggestions for continuing the empirical validation process. Programs for calculating, graphing, and comparing PCI2 values are freely available from http://welcome.warnercnr.colostate.edu/~jerryv.

Using action-grids in tourism management.

Abstract The use of importance–performance analysis (IPA), when a population has segments positioned differently on analysis variables, is examined. IPA is referred to as action grid analysis (AGA) in order to focus on action instead of importance or performance. Issues in using action grids to study population segments are illustrated using 1996 Taiwan foreign visitor exit data for examples. The implications of visitors from four nations having four different action grids, suggesting that segment-specific action strategies be considered, is related to the conclusion that when segments differ on grid variables, AGA for the population is in general invalid. The implication for AGA of segments having sub-segments with potentially differing action grids is introduced. AGA results are discussed as appropriate input in early stages of strategy and plan formulation, e.g., in understanding priorities of differing and potentially competing markets. In addition, methodological considerations are raised, including using AGA with or instead of other analysis approaches.

Understanding Meta-Analysis: A Review of the Methodological Literature

Meta-analysis is a quantitative technique that uses specific measures (e.g., an effect size) to indicate the strength of variable relationships for the studies included in the analysis. The technique emphasizes results across multiple studies as opposed to results from a single investigation. This article provides an introduction to the meta-analysis literature and discusses the challenges of applying meta-analysis to human dimensions research. Specifically, we review the definitions of meta-analysis techniques, the steps in conducting a meta-analysis, and the advantages and disadvantages of meta-analysis.

Human Dimensions of Large Carnivore Conservation and Management: Introduction to the Special Issue

Efforts to conserve large carnivores worldwide have met with a number of successes in recent decades. Through reintroduction and natural recolonization gray wolves (Canis lupus) and black bears (Ursus americanus) increased substantially in the conterminous United States (Packer et al., 2009; Smith et al., 2010; Wydeven, Van Deelen, & Heske, 2009), and wolves and brown bears (Ursus arctos), although relatively few, are generally increasing in much of Western Europe (Enserink & Vogel, 2006). Perhaps most encouraging is the finding that large carnivores can persist along side human populations even where human densities are relatively high—so long as management policies remain favorable (Linnell et al., 2001). As large carnivore populations increase and reclaim their former habitat, conflicts with human populations are likely to increase. Less than a decade after wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone and Central Idaho (2001), for example, the state of Idaho passed legislation demanding the removal of Idaho’s estimated 250 wolves by any means necessary, largely because of increased conflicts with livestock (Bruskotter, Toman, Enzler, & Schmidt, in press). While some suggest regulated hunting of wolves and other large carnivores will reduce these conflicts, it also promises to cause considerable controversy among concerned stakeholders (Treves, 2009) and, in some cases, has lead to substantial population declines (Packer et al., 2009; Stoner, Wolfe, & Choate, 2006). Looking outside of Europe and North America, threats to large carnivores become more immediate. Legal and illegal human hunting threaten numerous species across Asia and Africa (Dalerum, Cameron, Kunkel, & Somers, 2009), emphasizing the need for continued vigilance on the part of management agencies and conservation organizations.

Beyond Cronbach's Alpha: Considering Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Segmentation

Cronbachs alpha is a potentially useful statistic for scale development that can be misleading when used improperly. As a result, it is important for human dimensions researchers to use the statistic cautiously. The purpose of this study is to explore the importance of segmentation and confirmatory factor analysis in scale development. Data were obtained from mail surveys on wolves and wolf management given to Grand Teton National Park visitors and Greater Yellowstone Area residents. Cronbachs alpha was calculated on the survey questions regarding emotions about wolves for park visitors and local residents merged and each segment individually. Confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted on each segment. Beyond demonstrating the importance of confirmatroy factor analysis in scale development, results suggest that segmentation is an important consideration. Indices commonly used by researchers to measure social science concepts such as emotions about wolves cannot be assumed to fit all segments.

Perceived Crowding among Hunters and Anglers: A Meta-Analysis

This article examines perceived crowding using 95 hunter and 30 angler evaluation contexts obtained from 28 hunter and 12 angler studies. Each study used the 9-point scale developed by Heberlein and Vaske (1977). Data were obtained from journal articles, dissertations, theses, government reports, and proceedings published from 1975 to 2005. A snowball approach was used to obtain unpublished datasets. Comparative analysis arrays and traditional meta-analysis were used to describe the findings. The comparative analysis provided a tool for contrasting the consequences of changing use conditions or managerial actions, and allowed for comparisons between similar areas. Across all evaluation contexts, crowding scores ranged from 0% to 100% with meta-analytic means of 51% for hunters and 57% for anglers. These meta-analyses encourage practical approaches to exploring and understanding hunter and angler perceptions of crowding.

Bibliometric Reflections on the First Decade of Human Dimensions of Wildlife

Volume 1, number 1 of Human Dimensions of Wildlife (HDW) was published in 1996. This article reviews the first 10 years of HDW using bibliometric analysis. Bibliometrics sheds light on the process of written communication by counting and analyzing publications within a discipline. The findings highlighted some encouraging trends. First, the number of international contributions nearly doubled from 1996–2000 to 2001–2005. Second, a wide range of wildlife-related issues (e.g., consumptive activities, nonconsumptive activities, preservation efforts) were examined. Third, most major social science disciplines were represented in all 10 volumes of HDW. Fourth, the broad range of concepts examined in HDW articles is consistent with the founding objective of promoting the application of social science theories to fisheries and wildlife management. Finally, the use of effect sizes in addition to null hypothesis significance tests increased from 1996–2000 to 2001–2005, indicating that HDW authors are practicing sound statistical practices.