Unicoi outdoor recreation experiment station [1973]

Summary
Unicoi Outdoor Recreation Experiment Station has developed a research program that will provide a potential researcher an opportunity to conduct research in an outdoor environment. Guidelines for this research are set by Unicoi's philosophy, program objectives, and research principles which are:
Unicoi's philosophy is to encourage, to guide, and to help the individual understand his relationship to the environment and to be renewed by this understanding.
Unicoi's research objectives are: 1. to conduct research in the areas of natural resources,
human behavior and the design, planning, and management of recreation resources and facilities~ 2. to conduct research on subjects that will help mold national policies concerning the development of outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities, 3. to investigate topics that would aid the establishment of a contemporary outdoor recreation system for Georgia, 4. to conduct research which will contribute to a cost/benefit analysis of present recreational policies in order to aid decision-makers in accessing the cost/benefit of future planned recreation developments, 5. to help determine, through research, possible alternative solutions or strategies for existing problems facing recreation managers today, and potential problems facing him tomorrow,

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6. to make the results of research in outdoor recreation available and to improve the quality of today's recreation programs,
7. to conduct research that will contribute to better compatibility between the public, the management and the natural resources,
8. to conduct research to test recreational environments as settings for developing social and other skills in special populations, i.e., emotionally disturbed persons, handicapped persons, juvenile delinquents, mental retarded persons, etc., and
9. to work with government agencies to find a means to gather and disseminate valuable information.
Unicoi's research principles are: I. All research should relate to the outdoor recreation
experience. II. All research should contribute to the development of
a contemporary recreation system for Georgia. III. All research should contribute to a cost/benefit
analysis of present and future recreational policies and developments. IV. All research should be confined to the following areas: 1. natural resources 2. human behavior and 3. design, planning, and management of recreation
resources and facilities.

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V. VI.
VII.
VIII.

All research should be publishable. The scope and range of all research activities should be monitored to safeguard and maintain the integrity of site. The limit and nature of all research activities should be monitored to insure the privacy and rights of Unicoi users. The urgency of the need for information should dietate the design of research activities and set the priority of research problems.

Using these philosophies, research objectives and research principles as guidelines a potential researcher may use three basic approaches to conduct research projects: in-house, contract and volunteered research.
Once a potential researcher has decided which approach to pursue, a research proposal must be submitted to Unicois research staff for evaluation. When the proposal has been accepted, a study plan is submitted for review. When the study plan is accepted, the research project obtains active status and the project begins. During the period of study the Unicoi staff provides technical assistance, coordinates and monitors the project. The staff also assists the investigator in determining methods of dissemination and coordinates the writing of the research report.
Through this process, the Unicoi Outdoor Recreation Experiment Station hopes to exhibit a guiding influence on

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outdoor recreation in the State of Georgia and the Nation. The following Diagram graphically depicts the process
a potential researcher would take to conduct research at the Unicoi Outdoor Recreation Experiment Station. A detailed research document is available upon request by writing Unicoi Outdoor Recreation Experiment Station, P. 0. Box 256, Helen, Georgia, 30545.

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RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD

REJECT

SOCIETAL LEISURE NEEDS . STEP # 1

UNICO.I STAFF

RESEARCHABLE PROBLEMS STEP # 2

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Preliminary Coordination between Unicoi and Principal Investigator

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UN I C~I STAFF COORDINATE THE WRITING OF RESEARCH REPORTS

STEP# 13 SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESEA.lfC"Fl-P-ROl3LtM

PUBLICATION/DISSEMINATION STEP# 15