Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Acting Early In Montana: Big Steps Under The Big Sky, Martin E. Blair, Ann N. Garfinkle, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Early Childhood

A collaborative effort between the UCEDD, Act Early Ambassador and 50+ provider, state agency, family and university partners in a large rural state is generating strong "Act Early Outcomes." We will describe strategic partnerships and unique approaches to encouraging awareness, early screening and diagnosis, and early intervention for autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

Montana Dragon Boat Festival 2016, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Kalispell Conventions and Visitor Bureau, to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2016 Montana Dragon Boat Festival. Paper surveys on site and a post-event web survey were completed by 479 attendees and/or participants of the event. Results show that 58% of respondents were residents of Montana and of those Montana residents, 69% were from Flathead County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.72 nights away from home. Of those nights, an average of 2.42 of those nights were in the city of Kalispell and 2.89 nights in other Flathead Valley locations …

2015 Economic Contribution Of Nonresident Travel Spending In Montana Travel Regions And Counties, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Money spent by those traveling in Montana has an effect directly on the businesses where spending occurs, and it ripples throughout the state’s economy from there. Statewide, spending by nonresidents (averaged over two years) totaled $3.57 billion. This report details the methods and results of the economic impact analyses for each of Montana’s travel regions, as well as analyses for counties in which nonresident travelers spent approximately $50 million or more.

The Event At Rebecca Farms - 2016, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for Rebecca Farm to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees to the seventh annual The Event at Rebecca Farm. Paper surveys were completed by 479 attendees of the event. Results show that 54% of attendees were residents of Montana and of those 30% came from outside of Flathead County. Visitors spent an average of 5.29 nights in the Flathead Valley area. More people spent money on hotel/motel, restaurant/bar, and at the Rebecca Farm Trade Fair while visiting the area than other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported total spending of $330,806 in the Flathead …

An Assessment Of The Resort Tax: Collections And Usage In Montana Communities, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report focuses on ten Montana communities that have been designated resort areas by the Montana Department of Commerce and voters in those communities have approved a local Resort Tax. The Resort Tax, according to state statute, cannot exceed three percent, and can be collected on luxury items and on goods and services sold at establishments that cater to travelers, such as hotels and restaurants. The intent of the Resort Tax is to provide revenue to aid the communities in maintenance or improvements to infrastructure as well as having the potential to fund other community improvements or programs. Resort tax …

Economic Contributions Of The Yellowstone River To Park County, Montana, Jeremy L. Sage

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

On August 19, 2016, Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) instituted a temporary emergency closure on a large extent of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries between the northern Yellowstone National Park boundary near Gardiner, MT and Laurel, MT, about 183 miles downriver. The closure applied to all water based recreation uses on the affected rivers and streams. FWP’s actions followed the identification of the presence of an invasive parasite known to cause proliferative kidney disease in mountain whitefish. FWP’s decision to institute the temporary closure was based not only on the observed presence of the parasite, but …

The Montana Expression 2016: Vacation Planning, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The Montana Tourism Advisory Council, Office of Tourism and Business Development, and individuals in the tourism industry are interested in learning more about visitor behavior for a Montana vacation, namely their use of Montana airports and their advanced reservations and purchasing. This “snapshot” of Montana residents and visitors highlight these behaviors.

Kain V. Department Of Environmental Protection, Sarah M. Danno

Public Land & Resources Law Review

Global climate change and its chronic frustrations generated passage of the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act. The Massachusetts Legislature imposed time-bound implementation mandates on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection with Massachusetts residents acting as compliance watchdogs. In Kain, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts interpreted the Act in favor of environmental integrity and strict agency compliance standards.

What We Know About Crowding And Visitor Experiences, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Questions and concerns have been raised about the crowding issues in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, as well as the perception of crowding on Montana’s rivers, trails, and other public resources. Crowding, or the perception of crowding, is both an individual evaluation and a cultural conditioning not easily understood from the psychological perspective. This white paper provides a summary of crowding research to help clarify perceptions of, reactions to, and solutions for crowding in natural areas.

2016 Spartan Race Survey Kit Visitor Study, Megan Tanner Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitor Bureau to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2016 Spartan Race. Paper surveys on site were completed by 432 attendees and/or participants of the event. Results show that 49% of respondents were registered participants of the event while 51% were spectators. Residents of Montana made up 47% of the respondents and of those Montana residents, 33% were from Flathead County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.73 nights away from home. Of those nights, an average of 3.70 nights were in Montana and 1.40 nights …

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2016, Megan Tanner Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2016 annual festival in Missoula, MT. Paper surveys were completed by 288 attendees at the event and another 146 email surveys were completed by attendees after the event concluded. Results show that 83% of respondents were residents of Montana and of those Montana residents, 88% were from Missoula County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 5.25 nights in Missoula and more people spent money on restaurant/bar, hotel/motel/b&b purchases, and retail while visiting the area than any other spending categories. …

A Sacred Responsibility: Governing The Use Of Water And Related Resources In The International Columbia Basin Through The Prism Of Tribes And First Nations, Matthew J. Mckinney, Richard Kyle Paisley, Molly Smith Stenovec

Public Land & Resources Law Review

In the fall of 2012, leaders from Columbia Basin First Nations and tribes participated, along with about 150 other people, in the 4th transboundary symposium convened by the Universities Consortium on Columbia River Governance. Gathered on the shores of Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana, the participants explored the interests, rights, roles, and responsibilities of indigenous people in the international Columbia River Basin. This symposium generated two notable outcomes: first, The Columbia River Basin: A Sense of the Future—a synthesis of interests and concerns with regard to the future of the transboundary river basin as captured by the Universities Consortium during …

Building Constituency At Yellowstone National Park: Predicting Visitor Support Now And Into The Future, Jacob Daniel Jorgenson, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to explore how visitors support Yellowstone National Park, differences in support among groups, and the relationships between support and various behavioral and psychological concepts. An on-site and mail-back survey was conducted. Results indicate that highly salient memories lead to place attachment and are significantly related to increasing park support. High park supporters tended to be older, more experienced with the park, have geotouristic tendencies, and are generally more involved in recreational activities. Practical implications from this research show a need to engage visitors and provide experiences that are likely to lead to park support.

Assessing Going-To-The-Sun Road Travelers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, And Perceptions Of Bicycling, Brian Battaglia, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Visitors of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) are primarily scenic drivers, yet niche groups of bicyclists have a stake in sharing the GTSR. Conducting a quantitative survey assessment on the bicycling attitudes of visitors produced key findings for determining visitor support for bicycling along the GTSR. Park officials are in a position to evaluate data on bicycling attitudes for visitor management and transportation decision making along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Understanding Park Support: Philanthropy And Other Support For Yellowstone National Park, Geoffrey G. Havens, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report was conducted as one piece of a larger project on visitor support for Yellowstone National Park. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with park non-profit supporters and repeat visitors to determine how these participants support the park and the reasons behind doing so. Additionally, other causes supported by participants were examined to place park support in a broader philanthropic context. Results revealed that beyond monetary support, activities such as sharing experiences, introducing newcomers to Yellowstone, and educating others about Yellowstone were common support activities utilized by all three groups. Repeat visitors were less likely to give monetary contributions, but otherwise …

A Comparison Of Vacationer Spending Segments, Kara Grau, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of vacationers segmented into three groups: high-spenders, mid-range spenders, and low-spenders. This report contains information comparing the similarities and differences between these three groups of vacation travelers in Montana during 2015.

2015 Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures & Economic Impact Estimates: Estimates By Full Year, Quarters, Trip Purposes, And International Visitors, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A collection of 2015 full year and quarterly estimates of nonresident visitation, expenditures by nonresident travelers, and economic impact estimates, including expenditures by purpose of trip, airport of arrival, and international visitors.

Statewide Collaboration To Improve Asd Initiatives In Montana, Martin E. Blair, Ann N. Garfinkle, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Early Childhood

The Montana Autism Center, funded by a small state grant from AMCHP, is part of the national Act Early Network. This poster highlights initial outcomes from the first 18 months of grant funding. It describes the “fast facts” related to ASD service provision (screening and monitoring) in Montana.

Montana’S Perspective: Environmental Regulators And The Regulated, Sara R. Rinfret

University Grant Program Reports

For 2015-2016 I received a University of Montana small research grant (UGP) for $3,800. This research focused on understanding the perspective of the regulated community in state-level environmental policy. With such acknowledgment, this project sought to fill a gap in the literature by providing valuable insights from the regulated community itself about their perceptions and day-to-day experiences of environmental regulation in Montana.

Montana Winter Fair - 2016, Megan Tanner Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Montana Winter Fair to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees to the event that has been celebrating agriculture since 1946. Paper surveys were completed by 233 attendees of the event. Results show that 96% of attendees were residents of Montana and of those 19% came from outside of Fergus County. Visitors from outside of Lewistown spent an average of less than two nights in the city. More people spent money on groceries/snacks, hotel/motel, restaurant/bar, and retail goods while visiting the area than other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported total spending of …

Comparing Bicyclists, Non-Bicyclists, And Bus Drivers In Glacier National Park, Norma P. Nickerson, Brian Battaglia

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report provides a comparison of four Glacier National Park (GNP) user groups on their opinions, attitudes and knowledge of bicycling in Glacier National Park. The four user groups were summer bicyclists, summer non-bicyclists, spring bicyclists, and bus drivers in the park. Results showed significant differences in the four groups on knowledge (bus drivers most knowledgeable), on opinions of bicycling the Going-to-the-Sun Road (summer bicyclists most positive), and future use of the road (summer and spring bicyclists most likely to agree to motorist restrictions on the road).

Use Of Online Career Development Tools By Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals, Rebecca Goe, Catherine Ipsen, University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute

Employment

Online career development refers to using online resources such as social media and job boards for finding employment and advancing careers. Social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter allow users to connect with potential employers and advertise their strengths to a diverse audience. Online job boards connect employers and job seekers based on specific interests, skills and locations. Unfortunately, the same online tools that can help people find employment and advance their careers can also limit opportunities if the job seeker’s online presence is unprofessional or absent (Brown & Vaughn, 2011).

When More Information Does Not Help: The Connection Between Facebook Monitoring Behavior, Relationship Uncertainty, And Relationship Quality, Tyler Morgan, Mackenzie Salitsky, Katjana Stutzer, J R. Thomas

Communication Studies Student Scholarship

This study examines the connection between relationship uncertainty, relationship satisfaction, and Facebook monitoring activity. We hypothesized that (1) people who monitor a romantic partner’s Facebook activity will also report feeling less satisfied in their current relationship, (2) increased monitoring of Facebook will correlate with greater uncertainty in romantic relationships, and that (3) greater uncertainty in a relationship will adversely affect relationship quality. Using an online survey taken by a volunteer sample of 77 participants across the United States, we found support for these hypotheses.

The Importance Of Traveler Spending On Locally Produced Goods And Services, Kara Grau, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

While a growing tourism industry is beneficial to the state, it is important that the industry grows in a way that is sustainable and desirable to the local people. One component of sustainability is the economic contribution made to the state while at the same time benefitting the local community by reducing the leakages of money. The results of this study showed that visitors who purchased ‘made in Montana’ products, items at local farmer’s markets, and who used local guides spent $184.76 more than those visitors who did not purchase those products and services. This significant difference in spending between …

Dogs Are Expensive: Cost-Benefit Perspectives On Canid Ownership At Housepit 54, Bridge River, British Columbia, Ben B. Chiewphasa

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The presence of dogs in the Housepit 54 (HP 54) faunal assemblage of the Bridge River site (EeRl4) raises questions regarding their roles within Canadian Plateau prehistory, specifically their contributions to networked household economies. Ethnohistoric sources often cite dogs as “jacks of all trades,” household entities that can act as beasts of burden, hunters, prized companions, or as a husbanded food resource. The 2012-2014 field seasons yielded variation in dog frequencies throughout 10 superimposed floors (IIj-IIa); these fluctuations occurred alongside changing densities of ungulates and salmon remains. The thesis incorporates multivariate analyses to determine how dogs could have allowed HP …

Exploring Park Support: A Study Of Philanthropy And Other Support For Yellowstone National Park, Geoffrey G. Havens

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Support for charitable causes has long been a topic studied in the hopes of uncovering the reasons for donations and other support behaviors. However, holistic examination of support for places, such as parks, has been relatively untouched as an area of research. One such place where understanding such support is important is Yellowstone National Park, the first designated National Park and one of the most visited parks in the United States. A lack in adequate government funding to meet increasingly heavy visitation has led the park to increasingly rely on outside support for the park.

The purpose of this study …

Knowledge And Resistance: Feminine Style And Signifyin[G] In Michelle Obama’S Public Address, Tracy Valgento

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis examines the public discourse of the first African American first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. I argue that Michelle Obama uses the double-voiced discourses of feminine style and African American Signifyin[g] to negate post-race and post-gender mythologies that suggest that American society is “beyond identity”. Looking at three of Obama’s speeches: Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Convention Speech, The Remarks by the First Lady at Memorial Service for Dr. Maya Angelou, and Remarks by the First Lady at Tuskegee University Commencement Address this thesis argues that Michelle Obama performativity interrogates and questions gender and race relations …

Utilizing Craniometrics To Examine The Morphological Changes To Homo With The Advent Of Processing Food By Cooking, Julia Schorr

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis examines the extent to which the development of cooking by early humans contributed to morphological changes in the human skull, hypothesizing that the cooking of food by early humans had a direct effect on human evolution, leading to smaller face shape, larger body size, and larger brain development, which can be measured in the skull using craniometrics. Beginning with Homo erectus around 1 million years ago, early humans began cooking food. By beginning the process of physical and chemical breakdown of food prior to consumption, humans were able to better access calories and nutrients already found in their …

Slam Poetry: An Online Intervention For Treating Depression, Spencer J. Ruchti, Mercedes Becker, Cara Mckee, Austin Herron, Alex Swalling

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Given that depression is the “leading cause of disability worldwide,” and that less than 50% of people suffering from depression receive treatment, this study aims to provide support for a globally accessible depression treatment (WHO, 2012). The study conducted implemented an internet-based treatment for depression in which users were provided an opportunity to watch slam poetry videos related to mental health issues and write free responses regarding the content of the videos and their subjective experience of depression. Numerous studies provide support for the effectiveness of expressive writing, online mental health interventions, and slam poetry in particular for reducing symptoms …

Effects Of Priming The Concept Of Luck On Task Persistence, Koryn R. Haight

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Does feeling lucky influence the way we perform? Do we try harder and persist at tasks if we think luck is involved, or are we more prone to give up? To help answer these questions, this research examines the effect of priming the concept of luck on persistence. In particular, some participants completed a word descramble task designed to prime luck; others completed a neutral word descramble task. All participants then completed a set of reasoning puzzles, one of which they were told was ‘difficult’ but in reality was unsolvable. Persistence was measured by (a) the amount of time participants …