Crescentini N., Rubin A. How are science museums perceived in italy? Tripadvisor as proxy of visitor studies on public engagement

Authors: Noemi Crescentini, Andrea Rubin

Abstract

Science museums, science centres and discovery centres (SMCs) are key spaces for dialogue between science and society. Their evolution has integrated scientific and social perspectives, significantly influenced by the digital revolution, as demonstrated by the increase in online visitor reviews. This exploratory study investigates TripAdvisor users’ narratives about science museums in Italy and assesses how these reviews reflect the effectiveness of audience engagement. Using Topic Modelling and Qualitative Content Analysis to analyse the reviews, the research identified key themes influencing visitor satisfaction, such as the educational value and interactivity of the exhibition, with the ultimate goal of improving museum practices and audience engagement strategies.

Keywords: Science Museums, Science Communication, TripAdvisor reviews

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13131/unipi/a2y1-vp86

Notes on contributors

NOEMI CRESCENTINI is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Social Sciences, University of Naples Federico II. Her research interests concern the connections between society and scientific and technological topics and the field of social research methodology.
Email: noemi.crescentini@unina.it
ANDREA RUBIN is Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities at the University of Ferrara. He is a member of the Research Board of Observa Science in Society and has been involved in numerous national and international projects focused on the relationships between science, technology, and society, as well as the public communication of science and technology. As a journalist, he has collaborated with, and continues to contribute to, various newspapers and science magazines.
Email: andrea.rubin@unife.it