Smith

• Procedure

  • Interviews were conducted with people on the beach and the size, depth and width of occupied space were recorded
  • Number and type of territorial markers was also recorded
  • Those from West Germany made larger territorial claims than the other 2 nationalities
  • The West Germans also used sandcastles to mark territory and even placed reserved signs on areas
  • The French could not grasp the concept of territoriality
• Type of experiment

  • A field observation on different nationalities and how they compete for beach space
  • Observations on a French, West German and U.S beach were conducted
• Results

  • People from West Germany made large territories on beaches compared to French and Americans. A 5th of West Germans actually put up signs saying the space was 'reserved' for them
  • Males claimed more territory than females (regardless of nationality)
  • Groups established circular territories (individuals elliptical)