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ABSTRACT
Visitors considering attending an interpretive program open to the public at a zoo, historic site, park, or museum may have no more information available to them than the title of the program and its location and date. This research investigated how the structure of a program title helped or hindered people from inferring the topic of the program, whether it is for adults or children, level of formality, and interestingness. Ninety-six college students at 2 universities rated 18 titles for interpretive programs on 4 dimensions. Interestingness of the program topic was related to reported intention to attend the program. Being able to infer whether the program was for adults or children and whether it was formal or informal was related to interestingness. Program titles should be strategically constructed as potential program participants make inferences about the program from the title.
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Notes on contributors
Robert D. Bixler
Robert D. Bixler is an Associate Professor at Clemson University where he teaches park management. One of his interests is developing and refining methods for heritage interpretation. Address correspondence to: Robert D. Bixler, Clemson University, Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, 263 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634. E-mail: [email protected].
J. Joy James
J. Joy James is an Associate Professor at Appalachian State University, with an interest in environmental education and outdoor recreation.