Variability of the Perceived Crowding Scale: A Research Note

Abstract

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.