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1.3 Principles of
Interpretation
Tilden (1957) developed a holistic set of 6
historio-cultural and natural interpretive
principles which continue to influence
contemporary practitioners. According to
Tilden interpretation must:
1) Must relate what is displayed to the experience
of the visitor,
2) Is revelation rather than information,
3) Is a teachable art,
4) Provoke rather than instruct,
5) Relate parts to an underlying whole and that
6) Children need a qualitatively different interpretive
approach from adults
Since the 1970’s, cognitive psychology, behaviorism and
communication theory have tended to dominate visitor
interpretation in efforts to understand the cognitive
processes embedded in the visitor experience and to
positively influence its outcomes.
In many cases attraction practitioners used evaluation to
reshape the design of their interpretive tools in order to
improve communication and demonstrate educational
effectiveness. These developments were driven partly by
the need to demonstrate social relevance and justify
public expenditure.
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