This study involved
developing and evaluating theory-based communication interventions aimed
at reducing the incidence of problematic visitor behaviors at national
parks in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. Results indicated
that the interventions were successful in persuading visitors to behave
in managerially desirable ways in two of the three parks. Specifically,
the percentage of visitors who refrained from bird feeding in Yarra
Ranges National Park, Victoria and those who voluntarily picked up
litter encountered on a trail in Mt. Field National Park, Tasmania was
significantly increased. At Yarra Ranges, a social norm appeal was the
most influential message; at Mt. Field, a personal norm appeal produced
the greatest effect, but an appeal aimed to activate an implementation
intention also produced a significant increase in compliance. An
intervention asking dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead at
Yellagonga Regional Park in Western Australia resulted in significantly
higher compliance, but extenuating circumstances cloud the conclusions
that can be drawn about its actual persuasive impact.
This study investigated the
physiological, psychological and potential behavioral impacts of
emotional appeals in zoo interpretation. Results revealed that a
high-arousal bird-of-prey interpretive program did result in impacts on
some visitor attitudes and behavioral intentions. However, these results
provide only limited support for the idea that emotional arousal at a
zoo provides an enhanced experiential platform for influencing future
visitor behavior.
- "Qualitative analysis of profound wildlife
encounters" Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2004-2005
This
study was based on in-depth interviews with 13 individuals who reported
having had a profound experience with a wildlife species. Following a
phenomenological approach, the research sought to understand the ways in
which profound experiences with wild animals can influence people’s
lives and to identify the key elements of profound wildlife experiences.
Results revealed a range of impacts on percipients’ lives. Many
subjects reported major “watershed” impacts that resulted in fundamental
choices later in life. The element of the experience mentioned most
frequently by subjects was their proximity to the animal(s) during their
encounter. In addition, sheer numbers of the species and inferred
communication (via eye contact) were mentioned as important factors.