INDIVIDUALS ' INTERPRETATION OF CONSTRAINTS: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON EXISTING THEORY

Abstract: The travel decision-making process is influenced by a number of factors. One of the most important yet infrequently studied factors is "perceived constraints. " Nearly a decade ago Crawford, Jackson and Godbey (1991) developed a framework to guide constraints research. Numerous authors have utilized this framework but results have suggested that individuals ' perceptions of constraints differ based on study setting and method of data collection (e.g., questionnaire vs. interview). Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a multi-method approach (both quantitative and qualitative) to assess perceived constraints to visitation among a sample of Pennsylvania residents. Results indicated that individuals ' are not consistent in their response to constraint questions and that their interpretation of a constraining item varies. Th