This paper discusses how numerous methods and theories from sociological and anthropological research are applicable and useful in museum settings. These concepts can provide clues to new approaches to audience development and exhibit design. This paper relates to papers written by Dr. Adrian Aveni and Dr. Jeffrey Bonner featured earlier in this issue of "Visitor Studies."
This paper begins with a discussion of what is meant by the "anthropological perspective" and then demonstrates how the unique viewpoint of anthropology can cause evaluators to rethink what is interpreted in the museum context and on how it is interpreted. Secondly, this paper presents an example of how the subject matter of anthropology can inform museology. Finally, this paper briefly examines how anthropological research methods can expand the repertoire of msuuem researchers.
This paper focuses on the group context of visitor behavior. It includes an introduction of a simple model of behavior that describes how human behavior is influenced by group memberships, which is central to thinking in sociology and compatible to thinking in psychology and anthropology. Suggestions on how this model can be applied to visitor studies are also described.
In this paper, Harris H. Shettel, Chair of the AAM Visitor Research & Evaluation Standing Professional Committee, discusses the meaning and importance of research and evaluation as two distinct terms that often share some of the same elements. Shettel elucidates this position by examining some of the ways these terms have been used by others and noting the implications this has for the kinds of work evaluators do in various projects.
This paper is discusses the role of the evaluator during the exhibit planning process. Using an exhibit planned by the Memphis Museum System, "Mr. Crump's Memphis," this paper will elucidate the evaluator's role in exhibit planning, particularly in helping the planning team determine, articulate, and maintain clear exhibit goals, which translate into specific exhibit objectives.
This paper is a summary of presentation and panel discussion at the 1990 Visitor Studies Conference held in Washington, D.C. This discussion between evaluators and educators focused on their commitment to visitors and to understanding why visitors do or do not enjoy museum visits. Participants discussed different ways to define and quantify informal learning, as well as successes and failures in measuring informal learning at their institutions.
In this paper, Word Craft's Chris Parsons examines the question, "Is an exhibit's goal to change visitor behavior?" Parsons also proposes a way to develop so the goal is change through two methods: (1) defining who our visitors are; and (2) developing clearly stated behavioral objectives when planning new exhibits. This discussion can be applied to educational programs as well.
In this article, Marilyn Hood of Hood Associates debunks seventeen common misconceptions held by museum professionals. Topics include visitor behavior, visitation trends, and evaluation methods.
In this article, Jeff Hayward of People, Places & Design Research discusses four common misconceptions about visitor research and evaluation. This article is adapted from an article published in "Children's Environments Quarterly" in 1987.
In this article, Jacksonville State University's Wayne Hamberger summarizes Chan Screven's 1990 article on the uses of evaluation before, during and after exhibit design in the "ILVS Review." Hamberger outlines Screven's list of misconceptions commonly held by professionals in exhibition centers.
In this article, Jacksonville State University's Bill Ford discusses findings from three studies that suggest that self-reports are often inaccurate if they are not validated. There are often differences between stated preferences of visitors and their actual behavior.
In this article, Jacksonville State University's Stephen Bitgood discusses two misconceptions associated with signs that attempt to control visitor behavior. Bitgood cites findings from a study of three types of Do-Not-Feed signs at the Birmingham Zoo.