{"title":"Transition: Taking the Journal of Interpretation Research into 2020 and Beyond","authors":"M. Stern, R. Powell","doi":"10.1177/1092587220963557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1092587220963557","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127764402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the Effects of Interpreters’ Experiences of Mindfulness Interventions on Their Connection With Nature and Subsequent Environmental Interpretation","authors":"Rob Dussler, S. Deringer","doi":"10.1177/1092587220963556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1092587220963556","url":null,"abstract":"This qualitative study used a constructivist grounded theory framework to examine the experiences of environmental interpreters engaged in mindfulness training and their descriptions of mindfulness, nature connection, and interpretive practice. Although there is a prevalent literature base exploring mindfulness and nature connection, a gap in the literature exists pertaining to mindfulness and environmental interpretation training and practice. Nine environmental interpreters participated in a 4-week mindfulness intervention program and engaged in in-depth conversations regarding their experience with mindfulness and interpretation. Constructivist grounded theory coding and analysis indicated that participants in the study experienced the construct of mindfulness in a variety of ways and perceived its impact on their interpretive practice in the following ways specifically: (a) it enhanced personal experiences of nature, and (b) it created more authentic interpretive experiences for their program attendees. This research suggests the value of incorporating mindfulness training in interpreter development programs and the practice of interpretation.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"91 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122741987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Four Levels of Interpretive Development Based on Tilden’s Principle of Wholeness","authors":"J. Kohl","doi":"10.1177/1092587220963520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1092587220963520","url":null,"abstract":"Freeman Tilden argues in his Fifth Principle of Interpretation the importance of interpreting wholes for whole people. Yet his examples reveal that in demonstrating wholeness in the form of an interpretive theme, he uses but one perspective for each of his interpreted objects (i.e., birds and places). Based on the premise that every object is enacted through one of multiple possible perspectives, to interpret from a single perspective then must be partial because it reveals only a part of an object, thus falling short of wholeness. This multiplicity of perspectives results in a wholeness interpretation spectrum from a single to a near infinite number of perspectives along which all interpreters fall. This article posits four levels on this scale from pre-interpretation whereby no real interpretation occurs to a post-interpretive enactment whereby the interpreter integrates multiple non-consensus perspectives for a much richer or more whole—holistic—interpretation.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"61 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114830124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Leave No Trace Communication: Effectiveness Based on Assessments of Resource Conditions","authors":"Nita Settina, J. Marion, Forrest Schwartz","doi":"10.1177/1092587220963523","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1092587220963523","url":null,"abstract":"The efficacy of different Leave No Trace (LNT) communication interventions designed to persuade forest visitors to practice low-impact camping behaviors were evaluated. Three depreciative campsite behaviors—littering, tree damage, and surface disposal of human waste—were evaluated by before-and-after resource condition assessments. Three LNT communication interventions were evaluated against a control: (1) an LNT brochure and poster display (non-personal), (2) personal LNT communication by a forest naturalist, and (3) a combination of both non-personal and personal methods. The study population was overnight campers using dispersed road-accessed campsites in Western Maryland’s Green Ridge State Forest. LNT communication successfully improved resource conditions for the targeted depreciative behaviors. For litter and human waste, personal communication by a forest naturalist was effective, but the non-personal method was ineffective. In contrast, tree damage was significantly reduced by both non-personal and personal communication methods. Combining personal and non-personal communication efforts did not result in an increased benefit. The core implication of this study is that several camping resource impacts can be measurably reduced when uniformed staff personally communicate the desired low impact practices.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"258 ","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133454210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Field Trips and the Experiential Learning Cycle","authors":"M. Stern, R. Powell","doi":"10.1177/1092587220963530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1092587220963530","url":null,"abstract":"Drawing on results from a recent national study, we draw attention to the importance of the experiential learning cycle for enhancing meaningful outcomes of interpretive and educational experiences. The experiential learning cycle involves participating in a concrete experience, reflecting on that experience, drawing out lessons learned and principles from that reflection, and putting that knowledge to work in a new situation. Recent studies reveal that attention to completing all four stages of the experiential learning cycle can enhance positive outcomes for participants in educational and interpretive experiences. We discuss what this might look like in practice for interpreter and educators interacting with visiting groups.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116040630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeffrey C. Skibins, B. Weiler, Kevin Markwell, L. Wilson
{"title":"The Devil Made Me Do It: Influence of Values on Interpretation and Behaviors for Tasmanian Devils","authors":"Jeffrey C. Skibins, B. Weiler, Kevin Markwell, L. Wilson","doi":"10.1177/109258721902400105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721902400105","url":null,"abstract":"Zoos are becoming more intentional about embedding messaging in their interpretation to promote pro-conservation behaviors, essentially acting as agents of social change. Values theory suggests that, be effective, interpretation including these pro-conservation messages needs to broadly align with visitors’ values. Using the Schwartz value system, this study modeled the relationships between visitors’ values, perceptions of interpretation, emotional connectivity to Tasmanian Devils, and behavioral intent, including a comparison of different types of on-site and post-visit pro-conservation behaviors. Most visitors held moderate to strong conservation values, which were predictive of positive perceptions of interpretation, emotional connectivity, and pro-conservation behaviors. However, the results suggest that while visitors’ values align with their perceptions of interpretation, they are only weak predictors of behavioral intent. Visitors’ perceptions of interpretation and behavioral intent aligned more strongly with emotional connectivity than with their values. Overall, behavioral intentions were low for all pro-conservation behaviors. Liking a Facebook post about the conservation of Tasmanian Devils was the behavior most likely to be performed.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124795126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Application of GPS Visitor Tracking Implications for Interpretation at Heritage Sites","authors":"R. Sharp, T. Cable, Aubrey Burns","doi":"10.1177/109258721902400107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721902400107","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents the results of the application of GPS Visitor Tracking (GVT) to evaluate visitor movements through a heritage site. This method provides temporal and spatial distribution and “heat maps” that depict visitor movements through the site. Documenting these visitor movements indicates to interpreters where to concentrate interpretive efforts and identifies opportunities to strategically encourage visitation to less visited areas of the site. The research team approached 117 travel parties and 106 elected to participate in the study, yielding a 90.6% response rate. Analysis revealed that visitors typically travel in a clockwise direction once they entered the park, stopping at a point of interest then proceeding to the visitor center. However, the density maps revealed that other points of interest were less visited. This information about temporal and spatial distribution of visitors can provide information for creating interpretive programs that people may engage with at the park.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129187927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Crowding, Race, and Ethnicity: A Case Study at Onondaga Cave State Park","authors":"K. Lee, M. Morgan, H. Shim","doi":"10.1177/109258721902400104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721902400104","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated crowding perceptions of adult visitors who took guided tours at Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, Missouri. An on-site survey was conducted on weekends, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays from May until October 2015. Crowding perceptions of White and Asian visitors were compared using an independent t-test, while a regression model examined the effects of different factors associated with perceived crowding. Results showed that Asian visitors felt more crowded on cave tours than Whites. Being Asian or White, along with tour satisfaction, were negatively associated with crowding perception. Implications for outdoor recreation management, both in theory and practice, were discussed.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"39 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127842302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Contested Terrain: Attitudes of Lakota People towards Interpretation at Wind Cave National Park","authors":"D. Smaldone, Adam Rossi","doi":"10.1177/109258721902400108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721902400108","url":null,"abstract":"Wind Cave National Park (NP) in South Dakota has a long and complex history with local indigenous peoples, including the Lakotas. Wind Cave is the location of the Lakotas’ traditional origin story, and is now protected by a park representing a federal government that many indigenous peoples view negatively. The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand the attitudes of Lakotas toward Wind Cave NP and the interpretive stories it shares with visitors. Seventeen in-person interviews were conducted with Lakota people to understand their thoughts and feelings. Content analysis was used to uncover positive and negative themes about the park and various forms of interpretation. Findings indicate that park interpretation should include more Native perspectives, and recommendations are noted. The park should attempt to work more closely with Lakota and other local tribes, and can follow the examples of other National Park Service sites to accomplish these changes.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127873109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Interpreter Training in the Japanese Interpretive Context and Opportunities for Improving Interpretation: An Impact Assessment of a Training Program in Japan","authors":"N. Yamada, Jeffrey C. Skibins","doi":"10.1177/109258721902400106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/109258721902400106","url":null,"abstract":"This exploratory research examined a four-day interpreter training program in Japan for impacts on participants’ self-reported increases in knowledge and skills. Pre-, during-, and post-training open-ended questionnaires were administered to all 17 participants. Results showed the training program was effective at increasing knowledge of interpretation's definitions, principles, and goals. Participants indicated extended opportunities for understanding the profession as a whole, as well as how to operationalize interpretation and develop strategic outcomes would increase the overall effectiveness of trainings. Future training programs could use a strategic reflection process to emphasize skill development in the design and delivery of interpretation. Results derived from this empirical research provide a guideline for developing a training framework contextualized to the practice of interpretation in Japan.","PeriodicalId":364431,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Interpretation Research","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115019299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}