In this article, researchers from Ohio State University discuss evaluation methods and findings of a study of the Old Woman Creek school visitor program. Researchers evaluated changes in knowledge, shifts in attitude, and enjoyment levels of the visiting schoolchildren.
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.
This article summarizes methodology and key findings from research to determine the effectiveness of several aspects of the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve on Lake Erie visitor center for providing public information about the value of estuaries. Researchers investigated how knowledge and attitudes of adults change with each visit, the factors that contribute to differing visitor experiences, how types of exhibits, readability, and placement relate to knowledge changes, and if a computer can serve as a testing device in a visitor center.
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.
In this article, Ohio State University researchers discuss the Importance-Performance analysis tool and its application in non-profit leisure settings such as a park.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Gary W. MullinsBetsy L. Schultz Spetich
In this article, Randi Korn discusses methods and key findings from a study that evaluated the Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The study evaluated which exhibit objects attracted visitor interest and the effectiveness of the interpretive materials. Visitor input was used in designing the interpretive materials.
In this article, researchers at Jacksonville State University compare three approaches to control littering: environmental education, environmental design, and consequence control. The authors also briefly suggest ways museum/zoo professionals can combine these techniques to control litter.
In this article, researchers at Jacksonville State University share methods and findings from a study that compared the effectiveness of three types of "Do-Not-Feed" signs at the monkey island in the Birmingham Zoo. This is a summary of a paper to be presented at the Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting in New Orleans in March, 1988.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Stephen BitgoodJerry CarnesAngela NaborsDon Patterson
In this article, Valerie D. Thompson of the San Diego Zoological Gardens discusses findings from a 10-week observational study during the summer months of 1977 to investigate the nature of noncompliant behavior of zoo visitors. Noncompliant behaviors included distracting, teasing, feeding, or attempting to injure the animals. Thompson addresses how these findings have helped alleviate problematic behavior at the zoo.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Valerie D. Thompson
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this forward, Stephen Bitgood, editor of "Visitor Behavior," briefly acknowledges supporters of the publication, evaluates the progress of visitor studies activities, and introduces the current issue which focuses on the upcoming First Annual Visitor Studies Meeting in Alabama as well as the problem of visitor misbehavior.
This is a summary of A.W. Melton's 1936 paper, "Distribution of Attention in Galleries in a Museum of Science and Industry." Melton studied the role of movement in attracting visitors by evaluating a gear-shaper located in the machine tool section of the New York Museum of Science and Industry. Melton determined that while any kind of movement attracts visitors, the overall consequences of this movement on the exhibit may not be be positive.