Journal of Interpretation Research

Aims & Scope

The Journal of Interpretation Research links research to practice in the fields of interpretation, informal and non-formal education, and communication primarily in leisure, tourism, and community settings, including parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, nature centers, botanical gardens, historical and cultural sites, among others.

The Journal disseminates original empirical research relevant to interpretation and provides a forum for scholarly discourse about issues facing the profession and practice of interpretation.

Interpretation can include exhibits, signage, oral presentations, guided tours, reenactments, digital communications, and other media and experiences intended to communicate about natural, cultural, and historical resources and processes to diverse audiences.

The Journal of Interpretation Research is published by the National Association for Interpretation, the preeminent professional association representing the heritage interpretation profession.

It publishes manuscripts from a wide range of academic disciplines with the core aim of adding to the current state-of-knowledge for practitioners, researchers, academics, and/or administrators who work in the field of interpretation.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.170

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q4

h-index

Year	Value
2024	3

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	23121

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	15

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Business, Management and Accounting and Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• Identifying Audiences and Messages for Nonformal Environmental Education– a Theoretical Framework for Interpreters

  Citation: 72

  Authors: Sam H., Edwin E.

• The Role of Attention in Designing Effective Interpretive Labels

  Citation: 55

  Authors: Stephen

• Exploring empirical support for interpretation's best practices

  Citation: 54

  Authors: Jeffrey C., Robert B., Marc J.

• Isolating the Role of On-site Interpretation in a Satisfying Experience

  Citation: 48

  Authors: Sam H., Betty

• Using Interpretive Animals to Deliver Affective Messages in Zoos

  Citation: 45

  Authors: Karen D., José

• Toward a Theory of Quality in Cruise-Based Interpretive Guiding

  Citation: 43

  Authors: Sam H., Betty

• From Interpretation to Protection: Is There a Theoretical Basis?

  Citation: 43

  Authors: Sam H.

• What Leads to Better Visitor Outcomes in Live Interpretation?

  Citation: 42

  Authors: Marc J., Robert B.

• The Impact of Normative Message Types on Off-Trail Hiking

  Citation: 40

  Authors: Patricia L.

• The Effects of Environment-Based Education on Students’ Achievement Motivation

  Citation: 39

  Authors: Julie, Martha C.

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