ERIC Number: EJ981049
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Dec
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1515
EISSN: N/A
Factors Contributing to Amateur Astronomers' Involvement in Education and Public Outreach
Yocco, Victor; Jones, Eric C.; Storksdieck, Martin
Astronomy Education Review, v11 n1 p010109-1-010109-11 Dec 2012
Amateur astronomers play a critical role engaging the general public in astronomy. The role of individual and club-related factors is explored using data from two surveys (Survey 1 N = 1142; Survey 2 N = 1242) of amateur astronomers. Analysis suggests that formal or informal training in astronomy, age, club membership, length of club membership, and participation in club service are factors that contribute to the likelihood of an amateur engaging in education and public outreach. Sex (male or female) and club service were found to influence the level of outreach amateurs engage in. Interventions designed to increase amateur involvement in education and public outreach should consider these factors. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Astronomy, Clubs, Science Activities, Scientists, Surveys, Age Differences, Participation, Outreach Programs, Science Education, Gender Differences, Intervention, Individual Characteristics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A