In this paper, Robert C. Webb of Suffolk University analyzes the role of cognitive and affective interaction in museums. Webb explains how a person alternates between high and low modes of cognition. Topics include central and peripheral routes of processing, levels of processing theory, and techniques for reaching low-involved visitors. Webb argues that more exploration and measurement is needed to study the affective nature of the museum experience.
In this paper, Harris Shettel, museum evaluation consultant, examines the rise of controversial museum exhibitions. Shettel argues that controversial subject matter should not be avoided, but rather presented in exciting, interesting and challenging ways that avoid controversy. Shettel points to the "Prisoners of War: Soviet Prisoners in Germany - German Prisoners in the Soviet Union" exhibition as an exemplar. The various ways exhibit evaluation studies can play an important role avoiding controversy are also identified.
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Harris ShettelVisitor Studies Association
In this paper, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Denver Museum of Natural History (DMNH), and Colorado State University, present findings from two studies that established a link between certain design features commonly found in museum environments and the state of psychological flow. Study one observed visitor behavior in a museum hall at DMNH before and after renovation. The study found that after the design changes, visitors attended more to the exhibits. Study two, a post-hoc survey analysis, investigated which design features in particular are responsible for
In this paper, John H. Falk, of Science Learning, inc., provides a brief overview of brain research and suggests implications for the museum field in terms of to define and measure learning.
This paper examines the differences between the single and married visitors to Old Sturbridge Village, within the single group itself, and between single and married museum members. In addition, "singletons" are defined and explored as single visitors to the Village to see how they differ from the great majority who visit with friends and families. A variety of measures, including t-test, analysis of variance, chi-square, CHAID, and factor analysis, elucidate significant points of contrast within the data.
In this paper, Hermann Schafer of Haus der Geschichte, the museum of contemporary history of Germany, discusses the value of non-visitor research as a public relations strategy. Schafer shares findings from an independent study of non-visitors.
This paper describes the use of front-end evaluation to guide the development of plans for a community museum. In 1995, the fifty-year old Fort Collins Museum received a grant to create new permanent exhibits and educational programs as well as a collection initiative for obtaining donated artifacts from community residents.
In this paper, James Jensen of Ottawa's National Museum of Science and Technology (NMSTC) discusses a case study that provides guidance on how to integrate "effective market research" into museum management and decision making. Jensen discusses how NMSTC has successfully adapted to a market driven model of operation.
In this article, Carol Scott, Evaluation and Visitor Research Coordinator at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, provides a brief overview of evaluation and visitor research efforts in Australia. Scott establishes the context for the practice of evaluation and visitor research in Australia and identifies the indicators that point to an emerging field with important significance for museums in the area.
In this article, Gillian Savage of Environmetrics (Sydney) discusses exhibit planning and research efforts for the development of the Visitor Center at the Australian Institute of Sport.
In this article, Leonie J. Rennie and Terence P. McClafferty, researchers at Curtin University of Technology in Western Austalia, discuss their efforts to study how young children use interactive exhibits designed from 3 to 7 year olds. The authors analyze play and its relationship with learning.
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Leonie J. RennieTerence P. McClafferty
In this article, Lynda Kelly, Evaluation Coordinator at the Australian Museum, discusses the importance of titles in developing exhibitions in museums. Kelly cites evaluation studies at the Australian Museum for five exhibitions and key findings from these efforts.