CIP Program Development & Evaluation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which evaluation approach focuses on measuring whether an interpretive program achieved its stated objectives?
- Formative evaluation
- Summative evaluation (Correct answer)
- Front-end evaluation
- Remedial evaluation
Correct answer: Summative evaluation
Summative evaluation assesses outcomes and determines whether a program met its intended objectives after completion.
Question 2: A heritage site interpreter wants to know if visitors feel emotionally connected to a historical event after a program. Which evaluation method is BEST suited?
- Visitor counting
- Timed observation
- Affective outcome measurement (Correct answer)
- Economic impact analysis
Correct answer: Affective outcome measurement
Affective outcome measurement captures emotional responses and attitude changes, which are key interpretive goals.
Question 3: In Tilden's principles, what is the chief aim of interpretation?
- To instruct visitors on facts
- To provoke thought and stimulate a desire to broaden understanding (Correct answer)
- To entertain audiences with stories
- To increase park revenue through engagement
Correct answer: To provoke thought and stimulate a desire to broaden understanding
Tilden stated that the chief aim of interpretation is not instruction but provocation — inspiring visitors to think and seek more.
Question 4: When developing an interpretive program for a multilingual audience, which strategy is most effective?
- Offer the program only in English with a glossary
- Use universal design principles and multilingual materials (Correct answer)
- Shorten the program to reduce language barriers
- Focus on visual aids and avoid verbal content
Correct answer: Use universal design principles and multilingual materials
Universal design combined with multilingual materials ensures all audience members can access and engage with the content.
Question 5: A national park interpretive team is planning a new program. They survey potential visitors before developing content. This is an example of:
- Summative evaluation
- Remedial evaluation
- Front-end evaluation (Correct answer)
- Outcome-based evaluation
Correct answer: Front-end evaluation
Front-end evaluation gathers audience information before program development to inform design decisions.
Question 6: Which component is essential for a well-written interpretive program objective?
- A broad thematic statement that covers all topics
- Measurable, audience-centered outcomes (Correct answer)
- A list of facts to be conveyed
- Staff roles and responsibilities
Correct answer: Measurable, audience-centered outcomes
Effective interpretive objectives are audience-centered and measurable, specifying what visitors will know, feel, or do.
Question 7: The 'big idea' or thematic statement in interpretive planning is best described as:
- A topic sentence summarizing program content
- A complete sentence connecting a subject to universal meaning (Correct answer)
- A list of key facts about a resource
- A mission statement for the interpretive facility
Correct answer: A complete sentence connecting a subject to universal meaning
A thematic statement is a complete sentence that links the resource to a universal concept meaningful to the audience.
CIP Program Development & Evaluation 2
Which evaluation approach focuses on measuring whether an interpretive program achieved its stated objectives?