DOI: 10.13020/hs9a-xj46
title: Observational data 2024 Time is of the Essence: Testing the effect of various message frames on time spent performing aquatic invasive species prevention behaviors by anglers

description: Data from this project includes raw observation data transcribed into a digital medium. Observations were conducted during the summer of 2024 (June-September) and catalogs boating anglers interactions with newly created and displayed signage at boat accesses. Signage consisted of three different messaging frames (injunctive norm, descriptive norm, regulation) as well as a control situation where no sign was present. Data focus on interactions with the signs and subsequent time spent cleaning and draining vessels and equipment at publicly available launches within a single county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Each observational period also cataloged what access was being observed (Peltier-1, Linwood-2), date, time of day, day of the week, temperature (beginning and end of shift), how many trailers are parked in the parking lot of the access (beginning and end of shift) presence of weeds at the access, and if there were any weather warnings at the time.
description: An observational communication experiment was designed that tested the impact of normative message framing and sign presence on boating anglers time spent cleaning and draining their boats. Unobtrusive observations of boaters exiting select boat ramps were conducted during the summer of 2024. An observational form was developed based on past research (Fortin 20xx; Schneider et al., 2023), pretested and refined. Specifically after testing, a section for identifiers was added to track individuals who may have interacted with signage during their launching procedures. Trained observers then embarked on observations. In addition to time, the group size and number of people engaging in cleaning was recorded as was the number of other vessels waiting to launch and/or land. 
The main topic of interest was how much time boating anglers spent draining or cleaning their boat, trailer and equipment. Once a vessel was removed from the water, observations began. Time spent cleaning was recorded once an individual or group member made a visual effort to begin checking for AIS. Efforts defined as beginning the cleaning and inspecting process were pulling the drain plug, inspecting under and around the boat and/or trailer, cleaning fishing poles and/or equipment. Time was paused during any lull periods such as visiting the restroom or securing their vessel using tie down straps or equivalent. Observation end time was recorded when an individual or group gathered into their vehicle and began making their way out of the access. 
During observations, one of three different signs were added at the access and were rotated every third observation to achieve even message presentation across time periods and boaters. Based on normative theory, expert review and recreationist review, three message treatments were developed: 1) descriptive, 2) injunctive, 3) regulation, and a 4) control where no new signs were present. 
Sign attention levels were recorded as one of five categories: engaged, focused, glanced, no interaction or unknown. Boaters “engaged” were defined as a group member having spent 10 or more seconds of eye contact with the sign. “Focused” was recorded when an individual or group member spent more than a couple seconds attending to the sign, but less than 10. “Glanced” was defined as an individual or group member spending less than two seconds attending to the displayed sign. “No interaction” was when no attention was given to the sign and unknown was recorded if attention was indiscernible for whatever reason such as the inability to determine visual sight line of observed individuals (i.e observed individual is wearing sunglasses) 
While the focus was on exiting boating anglers, attention levels were also recorded prior to launch if boats were entering and identification markers recorded for matching their exiting behaviors. Indicators included either vehicle make, model, and color or boat registration number if attention was given to the displayed sign prior to launching their vessel. This information was only used for temporary identification and removed from any records prior to entry.