An Analysis of Normative Messages in Signs at Recreation Settings
Winter, Patricia L.; Cialdini, Robert B.; Bator, Renee J.; Rhoads, Kelton; Sagarin, Brad J. (1998). An Analysis of Normative Messages in Signs at Recreation Settings. Journal of Interpretation Research, 3, 1, 39-47.
A systematic evaluation of signs and messages at 42 recreation areas in California and Arizona focused on type of site, managing agency, density of message locales, sign attributes, and message content. The vast majority of messages presented behavioral commands and were negatively worded. This striking imbalance points to concerns in visitor information and education.
