December 1st, 2012 | RESEARCH
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.
Document
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Team Members
Victor Yocco, Author, Institute for Learning InnovationEric Jones, Author, Institute for Learning Innovation
Martin Storksdieck, Author, National Academy of Sciences
Citation
Identifier Type: DOI
Identifier: 10.3847/AER2011040
Identifier Type: ISSN
Identifier: 1539-1515
Publication: Astronomy Education Review
Volume: 11
Number: 1
Page(s): 1
Related URLs
Tags
Audience: Educators | Teachers | General Public | Museum | ISE Professionals | Scientists
Discipline: Education and learning science | Space science
Resource Type: Peer-reviewed article | Research Products
Environment Type: Citizen Science Programs | Community Outreach Programs | Public Programs