Public Relations Research Study

Jared Artman

Tyler Hoover

Leigh Miller

Nicola Vickers

L S Fancaster cience actory

To create an environment for learning which helps

children develop curiosity, think creatively and build confidence as they learn the principles

of science and the application of science in

engineering and technology.

MISSIONSTATEMENT

R Qesearch uestions

RQ 1 : What do Lancaster County educators and parents know about the Lancaster Science Factory?

RQ2: How do Lancaster County educators and parents that are familiar with the Lancaster Science Factory perceive the organization?

H1: The more familiar Lancaster residents are with Lancaster Science Factory, the better perception they will have of the organization.

RQ3: How can the organization promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers?

Variables: KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION and PROMOTION

L Manditerature ethods

Two types of data analysis were used –

Questionnaires

In-depth Interviews

SocialExchangeTheory

D Rata esults

Interest in STEMFrequency Percent Valid Percent

No 3 27.3 27.3Yes 8 72.7 72.7

Total 11 100 100

Improvement in Grades With STEMFrequency Percent Valid Percent

No 4 36.4 36.4Yes 7 63.6 63.6

Total 11 100 100

Question Mean- Educator Mean-Parent

1. The Lancaster Science Factory is an educational experience.

4.857 4.250

2. The Lancaster Science Factory is a great environment for families.

4.857 4.500

3. I would recommend the Lancaster Science Factory as an educational field trip for educators.

4.714 4.250

Educators and Parents Perception based on a 5-point Likert ScaleParent, n=4 and Educator, n=7

5-point Likert Scale, 1.00= not satisfied to 5.00= very satisfied

D Rata esults

D iscussion S ection

• RQ 1 : Lancaster Science Factory achieved its mission statement amongst in-depth interviewees

• RQ 2 : Based on data, educators and parents scored the organization on high level or perception

• H1 : The hypothesis was not proven, but individuals do not need to be highly familiar to be promoted

• R3 : Interest and Improvement in STEM had increased after students visited the Lancaster Science Factory

R ecommendations

123

4 Focusing in depth on one variable rather than multiple variables

Distribution of questionnaire would be beneficial if done on site

Handing out the questionnaire to the individual rather than the school’s representative

Allocating a time period for distribution other than the holidays