ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to describe several social science concepts that have relevance to outdoor recreation planning, particularly when coupled with economic concepts. These concepts are broad and abstract, but they provide recreation planners and policy makers with refined notions and guidelines for evaluating recreation benefits and alternatives. The concepts of a variety of social sciences will be needed as research attempts to aid decision makers. The basic premise of the recreation spectrum concept is that a variety of environmental settings “from the paved to the primeval” are needed to fulfill the many needs, motivations, and preferences that lead people to participate in outdoor recreation. Carefully designed surveys of preference can help measure the range, mix, and intensity of sentiment for alternative outdoor recreation opportunities. Preference surveys reveal the values people place on alternative outdoor recreation programs and who receives these values.
