A Cross-Case Analysis of Visitor Engagement With Controversial Exhibitions: Toward Participatory Models of Science Communication

Abstract

Drawing from past and ongoing research projects, this study explores visitor engagement through the lenses of controversial science exhibitions and science communication models.Through a cross-case analysis of four case studies, we sought to deconstruct and understand how visitors engage with science exhibits involving complex and controversial topics.Qualitative data sources across the sites include visitor interviews, visitor observations, artefacts, images, comment cards, and field notes.A cross-case analysis was performed to generate merged findings across the cases (Stake, 2006).Six themes emerged from our analysis: acquiring and recalling knowledge, personalization and introspection, voice and narrative, listening and talking, dissonance and tensions, and seeds of change.We conclude by discussing the particulars of visitor engagement and introduce an accompanying heuristic.

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