Michael J. Manfredo

Wildlife value orientations: A conceptual and measurement approach

Abstract This paper develops a conceptual framework for studying human values toward wildlife. A measurement instrument for assessing basic wildlife beliefs and wildlife value orientations concerning issues of enduring relevance to wildlife management and planning was developed using the domain sampling approach. Results of confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis indicate that a reliable and internally consistent measurement tool for evaluating basic wildlife beliefs and wildlife value orientations was developed. Structural equation analyses conducted using LISREL 8 indicated the value orientations predicted attitudes well and that attitudes largely acted as a mediator in the relationship between wildlife value orientations and behavioral intention. These results provide support for the hierarchical model of social cognition that forms the foundation of the conceptual framework for studying wildlife value orientations.

Measuring Leisure Motivation: A Meta-Analysis of the Recreation Experience Preference Scales.

One approach to studying the motivations for leisure is to focus on the desired goal States that are attained through participation in leisure. The Recreation Experience Preference (REP) scales wer...

Using normative beliefs to determine the acceptability of wildlife management actions

Because wildlife in the United States is publicly owned, management actions and policies depend on public acceptance. This article uses a normative approach to describe and evaluate what the public believes are acceptable management actions toward three different wildlife species involved in human‐wildlife interactions. The results illustrate the extent to which normative beliefs about wildlife management actions are influenced by situational specifics and wildlife value orientations. Across different species and situations, individuals with protectionist wildlife values were less willing than those with pro‐use wildlife values to accept destroying an animal. The results point to circumstances that are likely to generate intense conflict over particular management policies and allow more confident generalization about how publics will respond to different management actions. Additional research is needed to identify the situational specifics and human values that best explain and predict normative beliefs...

Understanding the Diversity of Public Interests in Wildlife Conservation

North American state wildlife agencies are increasingly faced with the challenge of effectively representing a diverse public. With increasing social conflict over wildlife issues, the future of wildlife conservation hinges on preparedness of the profession to respond to this challenge. In the interest of finding ways to improve response, 19 agencies in the western U.S. joined forces to initiate an investigation that would provide a better understanding of the diversity of wildlife-related interests in the region. Specific objectives, accomplished through use of a mail survey administered in 2004, were to categorize people on the basis of their value orientations toward wildlife and explore how different groups were distributed across states and to examine differences on sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward wildlife-related topics among groups. The focus was on two orientations: domination (view of wildlife that prioritizes human well-being over wildlife and treats wildlife in utilitarian terms); and mutualism (view of wildlife as capable of relationships of trust with humans and defined by a desire for companionship with wildlife). Four types of people were identified on the basis of these orientations. Types differed in their geographic distribution and wildlife-related attitudes and behaviors, revealing how value orientations can form the foundation for conflict on wildlife issues. Our characterizations of stakeholder groups offer a framework that can be applied over time and across geographic scales to improve conservation planning efforts and inform broader thinking about the social aspects of wildlife conservation.

A Test of Concepts Inherent in Experience Based Setting Management for Outdoor Recreation Areas

This study examines assumptions of the concepts which form the basis for experience based setting management of outdoor recreation areas. To test the assumptions a sample of wilderness users was surveyed and divided into experience groups based on differences in the specific experiences they desire. These experience groups were then tested for differences in their activity and setting preferences. The study was conducted at the Bridger Wilderness, the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, and the Popo Agie Primitive Area in Wyoming during 1978–79. Data were collected by questionnaire, and responses were examined by object cluster analysis to group users on the basis of the types of experiences important to them. Results offer support for the concepts tested; three groups with different preferences for experiences were identified and were found to differ on the activities, setting, and management actions they prefer. Directions f or future research are given and recommendations concerning the usefulness of exper...

Concepts for Exploring the Social Aspects of Human–Wildlife Conflict in a Global Context

This article develops an approach for exploring the social and cultural aspects of human–wildlife conflict in a global context. The proposed micro-macro level model integrates the cognitive hierarchy theory of human behavior and materialist theory of culture. This model guides research of human behavior in these situations and yields information that can aid conflict prevention and mitigation on the local level and offer suggestions for effective coordinated global, national, or regional efforts. Past applications of the micro (individual level) component and preliminary research and potential areas of future exploration for the macro (cultural level) component are discussed. Cross-cultural research will be highly useful in advancing an understanding of human–wildlife conflict.

Application of the theory of reasoned action to the National Park Service's controlled burn policy.

The theory of reasoned action was examined as a model of attitude and behavior change based on public perceptions of the National Park Services controlled burn policy. Also, effects of belief-targ...

A conceptual model of attitudes toward natural resource issues: A case study of wolf reintroduction

Abstract Given the increasing use of attitude surveys, the need to recognize the complex nature of the attitude concept increases. This study proposes and tests a conceptual model of attitudes using wolf reintroduction in Colorado as a case study. The model proposed that cognitive factors (beliefs and knowledge about wolves and wolf reintroduction), affective factors (emotions elicited by wolf reintroduction), and attitudes toward wolves have concomitant effects on attitudes toward reintroducing wolves, which directly influence intention to support reintroducing wolves. The relative effects of each of these factors depend on the personal importance of the wolf reintroduction issue. Results suggest that attitudes toward wolf reintroduction were based less on knowledge and beliefs about wolves and wolf reintroduction than on values and emotions surrounding the issue. Furthermore, the relative effects of these factors on attitudes depend on the importance individuals place on the wolf reintroduction issue. I...

Specificity and the Cognitive Hierarchy: Value Orientations and the Acceptability of Urban Wildlife Management Actions

This article tests theory suggesting cognitions at the same level of specificity have stronger associations than those at different levels. Using data from a survey of Anchorage, AK, residents (n = 971, response rate = 59%), we explored relationships between general wildlife value orientations and (1) the general acceptability of hunting urban wildlife populations, and (2) specific wildlife management actions (e.g., the acceptability of destroying a bear or moose after specific conflict situations). Consistent with previous research, patterns of basic wildlife beliefs aligned along two distinct value orientations (protection–use and wildlife appreciation) that differentially predicted management action acceptability. As hypothesized, general wildlife value orientations had more influence on the acceptability of hunting to reduce wildlife populations than destroying an animal involved in specific conflict situations. Findings suggested ways to improve measurement, ways to develop broader models that include values-related variables, and the importance of values-level information when addressing urban wildlife conflicts.

A model for assessing the effects of communication on recreationists.

This study proposes a model of persuasion for evaluating informational techniques used in recreation management. The model focuses on the communication response process and factors which influence ...