Interpretation and Place Attachment: Implications for Cognitive Map Theory

Abstract

Place attachment is a common expression used by individuals to identify with natural settings. Although resource meanings are hard for some people to describe, intangible values can play an important role in site visitation. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of interpretation on place attachment; a relationship that has been speculated, but not tested. A questionnaire was administered to nearly 200 visitors who attended a wild cave tour at a state park in mid-Missouri. Results indicated that the naturalist-led program was successful, but the place attachment scores were similar before and after the tour. However, visitors who attended cave tours frequently scored higher on place attachment than first-timers. Results of this study are discussed in relation to cognitive map theory.