CIP Program Development & Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'formative evaluation' in interpretive program development?
- Evaluation conducted after a program is complete
- Ongoing assessment during program development to refine content (Correct answer)
- A financial audit of program costs
- Visitor satisfaction surveys after the season ends
Correct answer: Ongoing assessment during program development to refine content
Formative evaluation occurs during development and allows planners to adjust and improve the program before it is finalized.
Question 2: An interpreter uses a 'hook' at the beginning of a program. What is the primary purpose?
- To summarize the program's key facts
- To capture audience attention and establish relevance (Correct answer)
- To introduce the interpreter's credentials
- To outline the program schedule
Correct answer: To capture audience attention and establish relevance
A hook at the program's start engages the audience immediately and makes the content personally relevant to them.
Question 3: Logic models are used in interpretive program planning primarily to:
- Map geographic features of a site
- Show the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- Create visitor flow diagrams for facilities
- Document staff training requirements
Correct answer: Show the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
Logic models visually connect program resources and activities to expected short- and long-term outcomes.
Question 4: When evaluating interpretive programs, 'stewardship behaviors' as outcomes refer to:
- Staff behaviors during interpretation
- Visitor actions that protect or support the resource (Correct answer)
- Administrative procedures for program management
- Financial stewardship of program budgets
Correct answer: Visitor actions that protect or support the resource
Stewardship behavioral outcomes measure whether visitors take protective or supportive actions toward the interpreted resource.
Question 5: A naturalist interprets wetland ecology to a school group. She uses a mud sample, magnifying glasses, and live insects. This demonstrates which program development principle?
- Cognitive load reduction
- Tangible, firsthand experience with the resource (Correct answer)
- Didactic instruction methodology
- Abstract concept reinforcement
Correct answer: Tangible, firsthand experience with the resource
Connecting audiences to tangible, real objects and firsthand experiences is a cornerstone of effective interpretation.
Question 6: Which document typically outlines the overall interpretive philosophy, target audiences, and media mix for a site?
- Program evaluation report
- Interpretive prospectus or plan (Correct answer)
- Visitor management plan
- Staff training manual
Correct answer: Interpretive prospectus or plan
An interpretive plan or prospectus is the guiding document that sets philosophy, audience analysis, themes, and media strategy.
Question 7: In program evaluation, 'triangulation' means:
- Using geometric mapping in program layout
- Combining multiple data collection methods to validate findings (Correct answer)
- Prioritizing three audience segments
- Measuring three outcomes per program
Correct answer: Combining multiple data collection methods to validate findings
Triangulation involves using multiple evaluation methods (e.g., surveys, observation, interviews) to cross-check and strengthen findings.
CIP Program Development & Evaluation 3
Which of the following best describes 'formative evaluation' in interpretive program development?