VSA Archive

Journal :: Sickler, J., Bicknell, J., & Fraser, J. (2006). Assessing the Connotative Meaning of Animals Using Semantic Differential Techniques to Aid in Zoo Exhibit Development. Visitor Studies Today, 9(3), 1-9.

Abstract This paper presents results from the testing of a simple visitor survey tool modeled on traditional semantic differential techniques to identify socially agreed traits or attributes that might influence audience bias toward an exhibit species. The authors suggest that understanding these connotative meanings can aid exhibit developers i...

Journal :: Packer, J., Ballantyne, R., & Hughes, K. (2006). Working with Animals and Children: The Challenges of Visitor Research in Wildlife Tourism. Visitor Studies Today, 9(3), 27-29.

Our team at the University of Queensland has been investigating conservation learning at two Queensland ecotourism sites—a three hour whale watching cruise operating from the Gold Coast and turtle viewing at Mon Repos Turtle Rookery, Bargara. We present here a set of five challenges we have faced in this research, as a warning to all who might d...

Journal :: Kessler, C. & Bronnenkant, K. (2006). Visitor Studies Bloopers: Data Collection in a Modern World (Or When Bad Things Happen To Good People). Visitor Studies Today, 9(3), 29-31.

The authors of this article are reporting on the accumulated wealth of knowledge and experiences of their colleagues at the Institute for Learning Innovation and thank them for sharing their stories. The Institute is a not-for-profit learning research and development organization committed to better understanding the nature of free-choice learni...

Journal :: Crowley, K. & Knutson, K. (2006). Three Responses to Cheryl Meszaros’ Evil “Whatever” Interpretation: Bridging the Gap Between Museums and Visitors. Visitor Studies Today, 9(3), 16-17.

When we were thinking about who might address VSA for “Counting Visitors or Making Visitors Count,” we wanted to choose speakers from a range of perspectives who would address the need for visitor studies professionals to think about their role in influencing change in the field. Alan Friedman, with years at the helm of the New York Hall of Scie...

Journal :: Meszaros, C. (2006). Now THAT is Evidence: Tracking Down the Evil “Whatever” Interpretation. Visitor Studies Today, 9(3), 10-15.

This paper was presented as part of a Keynote Address at the Visitor Studies Association Conference, July 2006, Grand Rapids, Michigan Interpretation has been part of the modern museum’s mandate since its birth in the eighteenth century (Bennett, 1995), yet it is the least studied of all aspects of museum work. Recently, the American Associatio...

Journal :: Anderson, D. & Fraser, J. (2006). VST Publications. Visitor Studies Today, 9(3), 3.

An announcement to VSA members, Visitor Studies Today readers and contributors from John Fraser, VSA Vice President for Programs and David Anderson, Chair of the Publication Committee We are pleased to announce a major new VSA initiative. Since our founding as an Association, we have relied on our publications to advance the field, and sales of...

Journal :: Bouman, K. S. H. (2006). Past and Present Tense: Understanding the Visitor Experience in the Indigenous Australians Exhibition at the Australian Museum. Visitor Studies Today, 9(2), 11-19.

ABSTRACT This paper examines one Australian museum’s commitment to create social awareness of political issues within its community. The paper begins by discussing the challenge of cultural representation of Indigenous peoples in the context of civic engagement. Some of the historical and political issues facing Indigenous Australians and th...

Journal :: Rammapudi, T. S. (2006). The Impact of Museum Outreach Education Programs in Botswana. Visitor Studies Today, 9(2), 20-28.

ABSTRACT This article is a report of the impact assessment of two outreach programs to primary schools run by the Botswana National Museum. The oldest of the programs, Zebra- on- Wheels was officially launched in 1980 and has involved all the primary schools in the country at least twice. This was followed up by teacher workshops, which commen...

Journal :: Everett, M. & Piscitelli, B. (2006). Hands-on Trolleys: Facilitating Learning Through Play. Visitor Studies Today, 9(1), 10-16.

ABSTRACT Museums offer children unique opportunities for meaningful learning, and over time, have evolved from being adult oriented to child-friendly places. Today, museum vision statements often include a commitment to lifelong learning and young visitors are viewed as an important museum-going audience. Consequently, museums are looking for w...

Journal :: Gutwill, J. P. (2006). Labels for Open-ended Exhibits: Using Questions and Suggestions to Motivate Physical Activity. Visitor Studies Today, 9(1), 1-9.

ABSTRACT The phrasing of labels at interactive science exhibits can affect visitors’ feelings, attitudes and actions. The Exploratorium traditionally has avoided posing questions in labels for fear of intimidating visitors or making them feel unknowledgeable. Instead, the museum has offered suggestions or instructions in labels. However, prior...