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Peer-reviewed article

Awe & Memories of Learning in Science and Art Museums

April 26, 2021 | Public Programs, Exhibitions

This study looks at the types of awe guests feel when they leave art and science cultural institutions of various sizes and context, and how it may be related to what they remember learning. We surveyed 899 guests at the end of their visit and 550 of them again about one week later. Measures included a scale of awe-related perceptions (both positive and negative) along with questions about memories guests have about what they learned during their visit. Results show awe-related perceptions were consistent across institutions with only one significant difference, even when grouped by context (art vs. science). Guests’ memories of profound educational and emotional experiences were weakly related to the amount and types of awe they felt. This connection was strongest with memories of emotional connections and being surprised. We also found connections to social experiences and that prior knowledge was a strong, consistent predictor of positive awe.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • AaronPrice 049 300h
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
  • Lauren Applebaum 006 edited2
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
  • Kimberly Quinn
    Author
    DePaul University
  • Sheila Krogh-Jespersen
    Author
    Northwestern University
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1080/10645578.2021.1907152
    ISSN : 1934-7715
    Publication Name: Visitor Studies
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Art, music, and theater | General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Museum and Science Center Programs | Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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