Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

Data Collection 
The data collection method for this study was adapted and modified from Dillman’s (2000) group 
administration of self-administered surveys. An illustrated general protocol for group administration of 
questionnaires includes five steps: introduction, special instructions, distribution, retrieval, and debriefing (Dillman, 
2000). The in-class visit data collection procedure employed in this study was composed of three steps, namely pre-
delivery preparation, an oral survey introduction before distributing packages to potential respondents, and in-class 
distribution, modified from group administration approach. The major draw-back of this data collection method, 
compared with tradition mailing method, is the lack of non-response information. Without their contact information, 
it was impossible to reach potential respondents after the in-class survey delivery. Therefore, this study could not 
generate any information about those who failed to send their surveys to the researcher.
Data Analysis 
Data analysis was conducted in two steps with the SAS 9.1. First, a series of descriptive statistics were 
collected to depict a picture of mature respondents’ social-demographic status as well as their past travel experience. 
Secondly, path analysis (PROC CALIS) was performed to test the proposed model.
RESULTS 
A total of 217 returned surveys were used for data analysis. The final response rate was 73.3%. Table 1 
presents socio-demographic characteristics of mature respondents from Clemson and Greenville areas. The average 

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