This paper discusses a research study, conducted as part of a formative evaluation of an HIV/AIDS exhibit developed by the New York Hall of Science, a member of the National AIDS Exhibit Consortium, and designed to investigate two issues: (1) What is the current state of youth awareness of the mechanism by which condoms help prevent the spread of HIV and other STDs; and (2) Which of two exhibit designs most efficiently communicates concepts related to HIV sexual transmission prevention. This research was designed to determine whether misperception about HIV transmission prevention existed and
This paper discusses a collaboration between the Brooklyn Children's Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden on a series of educational programs and exhibits entitled "Breaking Ground." Developers aimed to create programs to teach basic science principles related to botany, ethnobotany, and urban ecology, promote urban children's understanding of the importance of plants to humans, biologically and culturally, and foster positive environmental ethics in children 6 to 12 years of age. Findings from a research study to support the development of these programs are briefly outlined in this paper.
This paper analyzes the effectiveness of real people (actors) as communicators of messages in museums. It includes findings from an evaluation of professional actors, who assume the roles of fictitious and real characters from the history of science, technology, and medicine at the Science Museum in London. The study attempted to understand more fully how visitors react to such live interpretations.
In this paper, museum consultant Deborah L. Perry discusses the use of the knowledge hierarchy as a technique for measuring learning at a museum exhibit. Perry does not go into specific how-to information, but presents the concept and some examples related to the knowledge hierarchy.
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Deborah PerryVisitor Studies Association
In this paper, Chris Parsons, of Word Craft, presents an overview of front-end evaluation. Parsons discusses the definition of front-end evaluation, how front-end evaluations differ from formative and summative evaluations, the goals and purposes of front-end evaluation, situations in which front-end evaluation would be useful, and the value of understanding your audience before designing programs or exhibits.
In this paper, Florence Bramley of The Graphics Group presents an exercise and research that encourage gentler approaches to warning messages used in museums or zoos.
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Florence Bramley
resourceresearchMuseum and Science Center Programs
In this paper, interpretive consultant Theresa Southam describes the process of developing a Local Advisory Committee, made up of representatives of the supporting agencies and visitors to three small interpretive centers adjoining freshwater fish hatcheries in British Columbia. Southam warns of the pitfalls and rejoices in the benefits of meaningful participation.
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Theresa SouthamVisitor Studies Association
In this paper, Beverly Serrell of Serrell & Associates reviews the case study that made her question her belief in visitor styles, defined as categories given to visitors based on the observer's assumptions about their motivations and time-use patterns (i.e. "studiers" or "discoverers"). Serrell identifies the problems with this concept and suggests ways to look at visitor time budgeting in a more useful, less value-laden way.
In this paper, museum consultant Deborah L. Perry discusses her findings from a research study investigating the museum experience, which identified and described the three important components of a successful museum exhibit. Perry outlines the role of participation, psychological needs, and outcomes (visitor learning) as they influence a museum visit.
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Deborah PerryVisitor Studies Association
In this paper, the Museum of New Mexico's Thomas J. Caperton discusses how public programs often threaten preservation efforts at historic sties. Caperton suggests that alternative methods of interpretation can be accomplished in a museum setting through experimental archaeology and other programming.
In this paper, Charles A. Lewis, retired from the Morton Arboretum, discusses why and how visitors interact with botanical gardens and arboreta, places that provide natural ambiance as well as learning opportunities. Lewis argues that these types of "green museums" must recognize the psychological and physiological aspects of their landscapes that provide broader experiences for visitors.
In this paper, Robert M. Woltman of the Albuquerque Museum discusses the vocabulary of exhibit design. Woltman provides examples of how this vocabulary has been used at his institution to impart a sense of place.