Assessing soundscape preferences and the impact of specific sounds on outdoor recreation activities using qualitative data analysis and immersive virtual environment technology

Soundscape ecology is an interdisciplinary field focused, in part, on understanding the relationship between humans and sounds from biological, geophysical, and anthropogenic sources. In this study, we utilized immersive virtual environment technology to identify individuals’ soundscape preferences in parks and protected areas, their emotional perceptions towards these sounds, and the recreational activities they believe would be most impacted by these sounds. Findings from the study were congruent with previous research: There is a clear preference for biophony and geophony and an aversion to anthropophony. Participants also provided insight about the types of activities they found most conducive with individual sounds and soundscapes. We suggest that park and protected area managers take management actions that preserve biophonic and geophonic sounds to improve visitor experiences. We also suggest they educate visitors about the types of sounds they are likely to hear at a specific recreation setting so that visitors experiences are not negatively affected by unmet expectations. Park managers may be able to use the findings presented in this study to: Mitigate the negative impacts that anthropogenic sounds are likely to have on visitors’ experiences. Communicate with visitors about the various types of sounds present at recreation settings so visitors have more accurate expectations about possible recreation experiences. Include information on soundscapes and their impact on recreation experiences in educational materials, allowing visitors to make more informed decisions prior to their visits.