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.
In this article, Jacksonville State University's Stephen Bitgood responds to nine commonly misconceptions about evaluation. Bitgood cites recent research findings related to visitor evaluation theories and approaches in museums/zoos.
In this article, Jacksonville State University's Stephen Bitgood responds to seven commonly-held beliefs about visitors. Bitgood cites recent research findings to explain visitor behavior in museums/zoos.
In this article, Ohio State University's Gary W. Mullins, Ph.D. discusses the importance of interpretation, a process of non-formal environmental education and visitor communication services in leisure settings, in understanding visitor behavior. Mullins cites several recent studies in this area and key findings related to better understanding the interpretive clientele.
In this article, Steven D. Moore, Ph.D. discusses the history of wilderness recreation research, based on carrying capacities and crowd expectations, and more recent approaches which rely on normative theories of human behavior. Moore discusses other research efforts to better understand the dimensions of wilderness recreation behavior and experiences.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Steven D. Moore, Ph.D.Visitor Studies Association
In this article, Thomas A. More of the U.S. Forest Service presents a review and discussion of current research on the benefits of urban parks. More also discusses the issues of fairness in the distribution of these benefits (i.e. the less affluent receive fewer services and servies of lesser quality).
In this article, Ohio State University's John L. Heywood discusses the study of outdoor recreation and the challenges of the emerging field. Heywood also describes some of the factors and conditions that influence behavior in outdoor recreation.
In this article, Ohio State University's John L. Heywood shares a selected bibliography of books for professionals interested in learning more about leisure studies.
In this article, Marilyn Hood, Ph.D. of Hood Associates investigates the public's perception of museums. Hood examines about 200 clippings that mention the word "museum" and sorts these clippings under four main topics: (1) something is deficient/unworthy/to be avoided because it is a museum; (2) something is positive/worthwhile/beneficial because it is not a museum; (3) generally uncomplimentary references; and (4) generally complimentary invocations.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Maryilyn Hood, Ph.D.
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Ridgeley Williams and Rosalyn Rubenstein, the co-chairs of the 1991 Visitor Studies Conference Committee, reflect on the success of the conference, which was the first VSA conference held outside the US.
In this article, Marilyn G. Hood, of Hood Associates, discusses major issues in the field of museum audience research. Hood explains how much of her work has focused on two specific aspects: (1) probing the psychographic dimensions of current and potential audiences and (2) determining why people are not at the museum.