Comparing two approaches for identifying recreation activity substitutes

Abstract

Previous research has utilized at least two distinct methodological approaches to identify substitutable recreation activities: (1) the activity type method, which constructs typologies of substitutable activities based on similarities in reported participation rates or preference patterns and (2) the direct‐question method of asking individuals to specify their substitutes for a particular activity. The present study compares the theoretical assumptions of and predictions made by each method using a sample of hunters in Maryland. Based on differences in the assumptions and specificity of the two approaches, it was hypothesized that the predicted substitutes would vary. Findings indicate that the approaches result in different predictions about substitute activities and that the activity type method is probably not well‐suited for understanding or predicting the choice of specific activity substitutes. The implications of these findings for resource management and future research are discussed.