Visitor perspectives on the nature and practice of science: Challenging beliefs througha question of truth

Abstract

Abstract A trademark of science centres around the world is that they often develop their exhibits around a scientific phenomenon (i.e., light, sound, gravity). However, the exhibit A Question of Truth, located at the Ontario Science Centre, examines several questions about the nature of science itself, how ideas are formed, and how cultural and political conditions affect the practice of science. A Question of Truth extends the visitor experience to include discussion and interaction around the sensitive themes of bias in science and society; points of view; and science and race. Specifically, this study asks the following questions: (a) What are visitors’ understandings of the nature and practice of science in the context of a museum exhibition that aims to situate science in social, cultural, and political milieus? (b) What are visitors’ responses to A Question of Truth, paying particular attention to what they found surprising, challenging, and disturbing? Observation and interview data indicate that ...