The Roles of Heuristics,Avalanche Forecast,and Risk Propensity in the Decision Making of Backcountry Skiers |
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Authors: | Nate Furman Wynn Shooter Scott Schumann |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Recreation and Outdoor Studies , Green Mountain College , Poultney, VT, USA;2. Department of Education , Monash University , Melbourne, Australia;3. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism , University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT, USA |
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Abstract: | Backcountry winter recreation accidents and deaths due to avalanches have grown considerably in recent decades. To better understand how individuals make decisions in avalanche terrain, this study examined the decision-making factors identified by McCammon (2004) McCammon, I. 2004. Heuristic traps in recreational avalanche accidents: Evidence and implications. Avalanche News, 68: 1–10. Google Scholar] that are said to be complicit in avalanche accidents. This study also explored risk-taking propensity and avalanche forecast variables in decision making. Results indicate that five decision-making factors, risk-taking propensity, and avalanche forecast variables influence the decision to ski a slope. Implications for how individuals make decisions in risky leisure pursuits are discussed and implications for outdoor recreation, and avalanche education are considered. |
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Keywords: | avalanche education decision making heuristics outdoor recreation skiing |
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