Perceptions and cognitions from an interpretive talk: comparing visitor responses to expert reviews

Lisa K. Machnik; Brett A. Wright; William E. Hammitt

Treesearch

Perceptions and cognitions from an interpretive talk: comparing visitor responses to expert reviews

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Lisa K. Machnik, Brett A. Wright, William E. Hammitt

Year:

2007

Type:

General Technical Report - Proceedings

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: Burns, R.; Robinson, K., comps. Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2006 April 9-11; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-14. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 509-516.

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Abstract

Interpretation is a communication process which aims to reveal meanings and encourage relationships between visitors and natural or cultural resources rather than simply communicating factual information (Larsen 2003, National Association for Interpretation 2000, Tilden 1957). Effective interpretation offers visitors opportunities to connect with and perceive the resource as personally relevant. The purpose of this study was to determine visitors' responses to interpretive talks, and to compare these responses to opportunities for connection identified by trained National Park Service interpreters. Findings are discussed in terms of the similarities and differences of salient themes across these two groups.

Parent Publication

Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Machnik, Lisa K.; Wright, Brett A.; Hammitt, William E. 2007. Perceptions and cognitions from an interpretive talk: comparing visitor responses to expert reviews. In: Burns, R.; Robinson, K., comps. Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2006 April 9-11; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-14. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 509-516.