Browsing by Author "Dr. Aram Attarian, Committee Member"

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Built Adventure Recreation Environments: Users, Uses, and the Adventure Recreation Model.
(2009-03-16) James, William Richard; Dr. Roger Moore, Committee Member; Dr. Aram Attarian, Committee Member; Dr. Jason Bocarro, Committee Chair
Built adventure recreation environments are becoming more prevalent and diverse, yet few studies have been undertaken to examine the users or uses of these settings. The primary purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of the characteristics of those adventure recreationists utilizing built environments, why they are using these venues, and how users perceive these environments. This study looked at the characteristics or attributes of built environments that add to or detract from the participantâ€™s experience and considered whether or not the Adventure Recreation Model was useful as a means of describing users of built adventure recreation environments. Finally, this study sought to understand the role of built environments in adventure recreation. Subjects consisted of 279 whitewater rafters and kayakers at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) in Charlotte, NC. Analysis of participantsâ€™ motivations revealed that those ranked most important overall focused on escaping routine and included challenge, and exhilaration. Findings indicated that females sought a novel experience, while males sought excitement. Overall, facility attributes were viewed as adding to the userâ€™s experience, although these attributes became less important as level of engagement increased. This study also found that whitewater rafting and kayaking at the USNWC are social experiences, as indicated by whom the respondent visited with and their motivations. While the Adventure Recreation Model was not found to be useful in predicting user behavior, it was useful as a means of describing users. Natural settings require the user to adapt to match their environment, whereas built environments can be adapted to match the user. Managers of built adventure recreation environments must understand the users and uses in order to maximize the participantsâ€™ satisfaction and the quality of the experience.
Economic Impact of the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center for Horsemen
(2005-07-28) Vinay, MaryAnn Margaret; Dr. Aram Attarian, Committee Member; Dr. Larry Gustke, Committee Chair; Dr. Gene Brothers, Committee Member
The purpose of this study was to identify the importance of the equine industry and the economic impact created by the participants and equine centers. The United States has 7.9 million individuals participating in the recreational and showing event segments of the industry. Data suggests that the equine industry creates 1.4 million full time jobs in the United States. An economic impact of $112.1 billion and $1.9 billion in tax revenue is made in the equine industry. North Carolina's recreational equine industry segment is worth $533 million. With information about the equine industry known, an estimate of economic impact from equine events at the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center could be calculated for Martin County, North Carolina. A survey instrument was distributed to all the participants during ten equine events at the facility. This survey included questions on expenditures, reasons for visiting the center, visiting party composition, and length of stay. The IMPLAN Model was used to analyze the expenditure data to develop the spending for each visiting party. IMPLAN Analysis provided results which estimated the economic impact for Martin County. Results indicated with more participants there will be significant increases in economic and employment impacts, and indirect business taxes. Findings were used to make recommendations for reducing leakage, increasing event impact levels, participant demanded improvements, and future research to help accurately measure the impact of the center as visitation increases and the economic structure of Martin County changes.
An Examination of Recreational Use and Comparison of Anglers' and Campers' Use Characteristics at the Upper Green River Special Recreation Area in Wyoming.
(2008-08-05) Fletcher, Frederick Allen; Dr. Chrystos D. Siderelis, Committee Member; Dr. Roger L. Moore, Committee Chair; Dr. Aram Attarian, Committee Member
Exploring Relationships between Management Actions and the Visitor Experience to Reduce Off-Trail Hiking in the Potomac Gorge, MD
(2008-07-07) Clark, Amanda Browning; Dr. Jeffrey Marion, Committee Member; Dr. Aram Attarian, Committee Member; Dr. Yu-Fai Leung, Committee Chair; Dr. Myron Floyd, Committee Member
Factors That Contribute to Talent Development in Elite Female Track and Field Athletes
(2004-11-03) Gore, Diana Henderson; Dr. Edwin Lindsay, Committee Member; Dr. Aram Attarian, Committee Member; Dr. Laura Burton, Committee Chair
Women's involvement in sport has skyrocketed over the past thirty years, and the number of competitive elite female athletes is on the rise. Between 1972 and 1992, women's participation in the Olympic Games increased by 130 percent. The number of team sports offered for collegiate athletes has increased from slightly over 2 per school in 1972 to 8.32 teams in 2004. With this increase in the number of elite female athletes participating in sports it is important to explore what factors contribute to their talent development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the four factors of lived body, lived time, lived space and lived relations further by developing and administering a survey to elite female track and field athletes at the collegiate level. The study sought to reach a better understanding of how outside commitments, access to particular services/facilities and teammate roles affect athletic talent development. The survey instrument was drafted based on the conceptual foundations established in Burton's (2002) qualitative research, current literature on the topic and consultation of experts in the field. The survey instrument was tested for validity and reliability using a sample population of track and field athletes. The refined survey was distributed to elite female track and field athletes at twenty-six of the top Division I track and field programs. An elite level was assigned to each participant based on her track and field achievements. Based on the elite female track and field population in this sample, outside commitments do not have an effect on the athletes' development or performance. Access to facilities and services was important to all the athletes, regardless of elite level. Teammates were viewed as supporters, motivators and training partners by the athlete at all three elite levels, with the role of training partner considered to be the most important role. The small sample size made it difficult to complete in-depth statistical analysis.