Physical correlates of perceived quality in lakeshore development

Abstract

This research examined dimensions of perception and preference for shoreline scenes. A systematic random sample of 63 shoreline scenes was obtained and photographed. Sixty adults were asked to sort the photographs of shoreline scenes in terms of similarity. They were also asked to identify the constructs which they used to sort and to rank the scenes in terms of preference. Comparisons of preferences by age, income, marital status, and sex groups indicated few significant differences and high correlations between the groups. Multidimensional scaling and canonical correlation revealed that a four‐dimensional solution‐Obtrusiveness in land/water barriers. Upkeep, Diverse/man‐made and Land‐use compatibility‐adequately described the dimensions of perception. The results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that preference increased with decreases in diversity, industry, streets, and land/ water barriers and with increases in vegetation and upkeep.