Perceptual and Observational Measures of Disorder in Campgrounds: An Exploratory Analysis

• In Event: Using Multiple Methods to Examine Fear of Crime, Safety, and Perceptions of Quality in Parks

Abstract

Social disorganization research indicates that neighborhood residents do not always accurately assess levels of physical and social disorder in their communities. Individual perceptions of disorder can be affected by a number of factors, including fear of crime, length of residency, and past victimization experience. While this research has primarily been conducted in neighborhood settings, we expand definitions of disorder and apply the same theoretical perspective to campgrounds. Using data from two state park campgrounds, the connections between perceptions and observations of both physical and social disorder and predictors of these disorder measures are examined. Results and future research will also be discussed.

Authors

• Sara Z. Evans, University of West Florida

• Jamie A. Snyder, University of West Florida

• John D. Morgan, University of West Florida

• Frances P. Abderhalden, University of West Florida

• Jocelyn Evans, University of West Florida