Details: Conversation Circles

Role of Conversation Circles Data in Cross-Strand Analysis

Preliminary analysis of the Conversation Circles data strand occurred about the same time as the final analysis of each of the other three strands was wrapping up and the formal cross-strand analysis was beginning in earnest. The final analysis of the Conversation Circles data thus occurred with the maximum benefit of cross-strand analyses. As a result of this timing, the analysis of the Conversation Circles data ultimately served to organize and shape the overall frame of this report as a whole (i.e. the Recommendations, and the structure of five recommended primary interpretive themes and supporting material). Thus, the commentary and data provided in the pages under the Conversation Circles heading above actually represent a more refined and comprehensive synthesis than the preliminary findings and analysis presented below. These preliminary analyses are provided in order to most rigorously and transparently document a key point in the iterative analysis of this project as a whole.

Key Preliminary Findings from Conversation Circles Data

➢ All existing/convergent themes were evident to some degree.
➢ As many as six additional divergent themes were evident to some degree.
➢ A dominant theme, THE STORY, captures or addresses a number of the divergent themes such as: remembrance of the 40 heroes; imagining what it was like; what I might have done if it were me; where I was and what happened to me; and the event’s impact on history.
➢ Most visitors addressed HEROISM and sacrifice/ LARGER DISASTER AVERTED (i.e. theme 2 and part of theme 1) together.
➢ The PATRIOTISM theme was primarily evident in crediting the passengers and crew as being great “Americans” and heroes. Often times, these descriptions were expressed in close conversational context with the HEROISM and LARGER DISASTER AVERTED themes.
➢ There was relatively little data specifically addressing theme 4 EXEMPLARY RESPONSE. When the subject was brought up and/or the interpretation addressed the community response, visitor reaction was interested and positive.
➢ The UNDERSTANDING INTOLERANCE theme was usually addressed through expressions of intolerance followed by a discussion of whether such judgments are justified.
➢ Visitors obliquely addressed the CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT theme in their admiration for the passengers and crew and approval and fascination with leaving tributes and comment cards.
➢ A common divergent theme was THE MEMORIAL ITSELF. Although many visitors clearly had opinions or questions about the design of the permanent memorial, it is difficult to interpret that curiosity or expression in terms of its meaning content.

1. All original primary interpretive themes were evident to some degree.

2. As many as six additional divergent themes were evident to some degree.

3. A dominant theme, THE STORY, captures or addresses a number of the divergent themes such as: remembrance of the 40 heroes; imagining what it was like; what I might have done if it were me; where I was and what happened to me; and the event’s impact on history.

4. Most visitors addressed HEROISM and sacrifice/ LARGER DISASTER AVERTED (i.e. theme 2 and part of theme 1) together.

5. The PATRIOTISM theme was primarily evident in crediting the passengers and crew as being great “Americans” and heroes. Often times, these descriptions were expressed in close conversational context with the HEROISM and LARGER DISASTER AVERTED themes.

6. There was relatively little data specifically addressing the EXEMPLARY RESPONSE theme. When the subject was brought up and/or the interpretation addressed the community response, visitor reaction was interested and positive.

7. The UNDERSTANDING INTOLERANCE theme was usually addressed through expressions of intolerance followed by a discussion of whether such judgments are justified.

8. Visitors obliquely addressed the CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT theme in their admiration for the passengers and crew and approval and fascination with leaving tributes and comment cards.

9. A common divergent theme was THE MEMORIAL ITSELF. Although many visitors clearly had opinions or questions about the design of the permanent memorial, it is difficult to interpret that curiosity or expression in terms of its meaning content.

Analysis of Preliminary Conversation Circles Data Findings

1. Original primary interpretive themes of HEROISM and LARGER DISASTER AVERTED might be re-worked and/or combined in a new primary interpretive theme structure that tracks more closely with visitor remarks.

2. The original primary interpretive on PATRIOTISM should be examined for relevance—perhaps better suited as a sub-theme to be determined.

3. The EXEMPLARY RESPONSE, UNDERSTANDING INTOLERANCE, and CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT themes appear to be relevant and provide opportunities for connection when visitors are made aware of them.

4. There are some pretty clear implications for designing an interpretive program here—such as: focus on narrative and passengers and crew; provide visitors a chance to tell their own stories;  tell story of exemplary response; use themes on understanding intolerance and civic engagement as means of provoking visitor conversation and response.

CC Figure 1. Coding Summary Chart