The Sensation-Seeking and Motivational Dimensions of Storm Chasers

Simple item page
dc.contributor.advisorDixon, Richard W.
dc.contributor.authorZunkel, Paul R.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberButler, David R.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBallinger, Thomas J.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberMoore, Todd W.
dc.date.accessioned2017-05-17T15:49:03Z
dc.date.available2017-05-17T15:49:03Z
dc.date.issued2017-04
dc.description.abstract<p>Since the release of the Hollywood blockbuster <i>Twister</i> in 1996, and later the Discovery Channel television show Storm Chasers, 2007-2011, the general public has taken a larger collective interest in storm chasing. A storm chaser is defined as a person who observes and follows a developing thunderstorm either for educational purposes, scientific research, or as a recreational activity (Robinson 1999). This study examined the factors associated with participation in the risk recreation activity of storm chasing in the US. Following previous research, both motivations and sensation-seeking attributes were explored.</p> <p>As more and more individuals take part in the recreational risk activity of storm chasing the need to examine the factors influencing these decisions is necessary. Studies have previously examined either the motivations that drive risk activities or the personality traits (i.e. sensation-seeking characteristics) associated with other risk recreational activity participants; however, little has been done to examine the risk recreational group of storm chasers.</p> <p>A survey instrument gathered information on motivational dimensions, sensation seeking characteristics, and socio-demographic characteristics of storm chaser participants. Results of this study identified that participants in storm chasing do not pursue risks as their ultimate goals, but primarily seek challenging experiences. Learning and gaining insight were identified as integral motivations that influence a particular experience. Furthermore, this study corroborates Robinson’s (1999) findings while further contributing to his definition of a storm chaser. In addition to storm chasers observing and following a developing thunderstorm either for educational purposes, scientific research, or as a recreational activity this study finds that storm chasers are individuals interested in seeking an experience and are further motived by experiencing nature and learning.</p>
dc.description.departmentGeography and Environmental Studies
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent135 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationZunkel, P. R. (2017). <i>The sensation-seeking and motivational dimensions of storm chasers</i> (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/6598
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectStorm chasing
dc.subjectStorm chasers
dc.subjectSensation-seeking
dc.subjectMotivational dimensions
dc.subjectRecreation
dc.subject.lcshStorm chasersen_US
dc.subject.lcshSevere stormsen_US
dc.subject.lcshRisk-taking (Psychology)en_US
dc.subject.lcshSensation seekingen_US
dc.titleThe Sensation-Seeking and Motivational Dimensions of Storm Chasers
dc.typeDissertation
thesis.degree.departmentGeography
thesis.degree.disciplineGeography
thesis.degree.grantorTexas State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
ZUNKEL-DISSERTATION-2017.pdf
Size:
1.13 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

License bundle

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
LICENSE.txt
Size:
2.12 KB
Format:
Plain Text
Description:
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
PROQUEST_LICENSE.txt
Size:
4.52 KB
Format:
Plain Text
Description:
Download

Collections

Graduate Theses and Dissertations