NORM CONGRUENCE AMONG TOUR BOAT PASSENGERS TO GLACIER-BAY-NATIONAL-PARK

Personal and social norms of visitors are receiving increased attentio n as a means of setting standards of quality in parks and recreation a reas. However, if visitors' evaluations and behavior are not congruent with norm-based standards, then this approach may lack validity. This study tests norm congruence among tour boar passengers to Glacier Bay National Park. A sample of tour boat passengers was surveyed to deter mine (a) personal norms for the number of watercraft and aircraft seen , (b) number of watercraft and aircraft seen, and (c) the effect of wa tercraft and aircraft seen on enjoyment. Findings reveal the extent to which evaluations of seeing watercraft and aircraft are congruent wit h data on personal norms. Several theoretical and methodological issue s that help interpret study findings are discussed.