The project team conducted an extensive, multi-phased, critical research synthesis on the significance of authenticity or realness for learning in informal science education settings.
Phase 1: The first phase of the review examined prior literature reviews and gray literature and found different definitions of authenticity across and within disciplines (e.g., is it an inherent characteristic or perceived? Is it socially or individually constructed?) and underlying but as-of-yet-unproven assumptions of authenticity’s impact on audiences (e.g., it enhances interest, fosters trust or promotes learning). Despite these differences, the sentiment that ‘authenticity’ is important was a widespread, recurring theme across the literature.
Phase 2: The second phase of the review focused on empirical studies that examined the impact of ‘authenticity’ on learning in informal science settings and found few published studies addressing this, specifically. There were more empirical studies found in the field of tourism. Overall, these empirical studies showed links between authenticity and positive outcomes such as visitor satisfaction, interest and likelihood of return visit. The studies also showed that consumers (learners, tourists, visitors) generally value authenticity. There was also evidence that authentic is not always ‘better’, as replicas and simulations have affordances that the ‘authentic’ may not. These studies also revealed that visitors may negotiate with the inauthentic to construct their perception of authenticity, in order to support a desired outcome.
The project hosted multiple workshops with practitioners from informal science education spaces to better understand how findings from this study could inform practice, including two key findings: 1) revisit assumptions regarding how authentic objects or settings support learning and 2) the importance of authenticity may depend on the kind of learning outcomes desired for a given exhibition or program. Another key outcome was the development of a conceptual framework to visualize authenticity’s influence on learning in informal settings. Visit the Authenticity website to review the conceptual framework, learn more about the project, explore key findings, dig into thought-provoking examples.
