The Influence Of Personal Interpretation On Nature Walk Participant Knowledge, Perceived Importance Of Interpretation, And Perceived Ability To Communicate Conservation Messages

Interpretation in Recreation has been shown to increase participant’s view of parks as a special place, attachment to parks, enjoyment of surroundings, and awareness of park policies. Interpretation in recreation can come in one of two forms, personal interpretation or media interpretation. This study seeks to further investigate the roles of these two different types of interpretation and how they affect an individual’s perceived importance of interpretation, perceived knowledge of the local ecology, history, and geology, and perceived ability to convey conservation messages. Participants in the study were chosen based on convenience, and then randomly divided into two groups (treatment and comparison). The treatment group went on an interpretive hike guided by an interpreter (personal interpretation), while the comparison group went on an interpretive hike, but had no interpreter only interpretive signs (media interpretation). The individuals in the study were given paper surveys that were designed to evaluate their perceived importance of interpretation, perceived knowledge of the local ecology, history, and geology, and perceived ability to convey conservation messages. Statistical analyses of the participant’s responses showed mixed results. Taking into account the various limitations of this study no broad statements about interpretation can be made. However, many of the trends found in this study could have positive implications for the field of interpretation if verified by future studies.