Prospect Refuge Theory: A Psychological Orientation for Edge Effect in Recreation Environments

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Abstract
Edge, or the ecotone between teo contrasting habitats, has long been recognized as a preferred environmental setting for wildlife. Recreationists also prefer edge environments, both as physical park settings and as a visual component during sightseeing experiences. However, we have little theory or empirical data for defining why edges are a preferred aspect of outdoor recreation environments, or for visual preference for different types and aspects of edges. This study examines “Prospect Refuge Theory” as psychological orientation for visual preference of outdoor recreationists for edge environments. Visitors (160) to a state park rated 32 photographs of edge environments for visual preference. A factor analysis of preference ratings yielded 5 factors or aspects of edges. The three most preferred factors exhibited edge environment themes where a high degree of refuge was visually evident. Nearby refuge was found to be more preferred than primary or within refuge. Edge scenes high in the prospect domain were only somewhat preferred. Thus Prospect-Range theory was found to only partially address why recreationists prefer edge environments.

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