Using Means-End of Recreation Scale (MERS) in outdoor recreation settings: Factorial and structural tenability

Abstract

Outdoor recreation is 400-billion-dollar industry, and therefore, understanding the attributes, consequences and values for why individuals participate is a necessity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Means-End of Recreation Scale (MERS) reflective of Gutman’s original Means-end theory conceptualization of attributes, consequences, and values. Data analyses were performed in three stages: (a) PCA, (b) CFA, and (c) structural model testing from three different trail sites (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and First Landing State Park) during three separate time periods. Findings support using the 13-item MERS as a metric to measure Attributes, Consequences and Values within outdoor recreation participation. Furthermore, findings suggest that a strong link can be made directly from Attributes to Values, bypassing Consequences.