The Identification of Empirically Derived Goals for Program Development in Environmental Interpretation

Abstract

A broad framework of goals for environmental interpretation was produced, and these goals were revised and validated on the basis of input from a national panel of interpretive experts. Several tasks were accomplished. First, an intensive review of interpretive literature was conducted that produced over 100 principles, goals, and objectives in interpretation. An analysis of the key words and phrases used in these principles, goals, and objectives yielded categories of directives for environmental interpretation. A review of research studies related to environmental behavior paradigms was conducted. Following this review, the Hungerford and Volk (1990) model of variables involved in responsible environmental behavior was used as the basis for a framework for environmental interpretation goals related to behavior change. This integration produced an initial set of Goals for Program Development in Environmental Interpretation. The goals comprised 3 hierarchical levels: entry-level goals, ownership goals, and empowerment goals. This hierarchical set of objectives was then evaluated by a national panel of experts in the interpretive field. The analysis of the evaluation conducted by the panel of experts supported the validation of the Goals for Program Development in Environmental Interpretation.