This researcher analyzed parent-child attention-directing interactions observed in a museum. The questions addressed were as follows: Do certain exhibit types elicit more attentional behaviors than others? Do frequencies of attentional behaviors vary as a function of age of children (family type)? Do frequencies attentional behaviors vary as a function of sex of parent-child dyads (dyad type)? Data for 56 families on 13 types of attentional behaviors were collected and analyzed, utilizing a 4 (exhibit type) x 3 (family type) x 4 (dyad type) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures
In this article, Michael Pierce of the Anniston Museum summarizes D. Jenkins's research on interactive technologies featured in the "Proceedings of the 1985 American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums." Jenkins divides interactive exhibits into four types: comparisons, extending human senses, learning play, and conservation.
In this article, Wilcomb E. Washburn, Director of the Smithsonian's Office of American Studies, discusses museum directors' lack of confidence, fear, and "sheer ignorance" of the value of evaluation. Washburn goes on to discuss how this lack of commitment to evaluation is mirrored by AAM policies.
This is a brief summary of a 1982 article in "Curator" entitled "Video vs Wall-Panel Display: An Experiment in Museum Learning," which discusses key findings from a survey of visitors who viewed a special painting exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. Information about an artist and his work was alternately provided for visitors by color wall panels, a video display, a combination of the two, or the information was not provided at all.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Visitor Studies AssociationJ. LandayR Bridge
This is a brief summary of a 1986 article by researchers at Florida State University, who studied if hands-on exhibits attract more visitors and hold visitors' attention longer, and whether a specific age group or sex is more attracted to these type of exhibits.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Visitor Studies AssociationJ.J. KoranM.L. KoranS.J. Longino
This is a brief summary of a 1983 article by Hayward and Larkin featured in the "Museum Studies Journal." The article discussed a study conducted by the researchers, to compare pretest vs. post-test visitor perceptions of a renovated historical house in Old Sturbridge Village, an outdoor history museum in Massachusetts.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Visitor Studies AssociationD.G. HaywardJ.W. Larkin
This is a brief summary of the historical periods described in Jon Coe's 1986 article entitled "Towards a Coevolution of Zoos, Aquariums, and Natural History Museums." Coe traces the history of exhibit design in these three types of informal settings.
This article describes findings from a study of over 250 professionals who deal with visitors in exhibition-type facilities. Researchers studied attitudes about exhibit evaluation, specifically about the value and funding of this research.
This is a brief summary of Jeff Hayward's article, "Research and Evaluation in Children's Museums: Negative, Positive Results" featured in the ILVS Review. This article discusses several aspects of evaluation.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Visitor Studies AssociationJeff Hayward
In this article, Harry Searles, Director of Educational Services at the Ohio Historical Society, discusses the development of four computer programs used as orientation and exit exhibits. These programs aimed to improve and measure visitor interaction and understanding. Findings from this research are briefly summarized.
In this article, Stephen L. Gerritson of Economic Research Associates discusses a study conducted by the Iron Range Interpretive Center to learn more about its visitors. This museum of mining history and ethnic heritage in Chisholm, Minnesota conducted intercept surveys in the summer of 1986 to better understand visitor demographics, visitor expectations, and the visitor experience.