Scientists and Public Outreach: Participation, Motivations, and Impediments
Elisabeth Andrew, Alex Weaver, Hanley Daniel, Jeffrey Shamatha, Ginger Melton May, 2005 Journal of Geoscience Education v53 n3 p281
Through the use of survey and interview data, this study published by the Journal of Geoscience Education examines the participation of researchers, faculty members, and graduate students from federal research laboratories and a Research I university, who were involved in K-12 and public outreach activities, and the factors that motivate or deter scientists' participation. Scientists of all types viewed outreach as a form of volunteer work that was auxiliary to their other responsibilities. Time constraints due to other, higher priorities, the lower value placed on outreach by departments, and a lack of detailed information about outreach opportunities were significant barriers to participation, though most participants viewed their experiences positively.
