抄録
Interpretation is communication of a message, which aims to change the audiences' attitude, behavior, and cognition. It has been widely acknowledged as a resource management avenue. To date, few reports have attempted to explain theoretically the reasons why interpretation is effective. Understanding of why and how interpretation works should be acquired in order to practice interpretation more efficiently for resource management and to teach and study interpretation. The purpose of this paper is to present the theoretical foundation for interpretation. It first explains the theories in terms of influences of the quality of messages and message delivery techniques. It then describes selected theories that can have influence on the audiences' psychological cognition, especially in the situation where the audiences face with restriction of intended behavior. How to utilize those theoretical suggestions in interpretive settings where visitors' behavior is problematic for the natural resource protection is also discussed. With theory-based interpretation, information can be persuasive and help reduce producing negative attitudes and impressions among the audiences. In addition, theoretically supported interpretation may further contribute to the field of natural resource management with maintaining the quality of the audiences' recreational experiences.
