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Peer-reviewed article

Technological novelty and open-endedness: Two characteristics of interactive exhibits that contribute to the holding of visitor attention in a science museum

January 1, 2003 | Exhibitions

This study was undertaken to isolate characteristics of interactive exhibits that are particularly effective in attracting and holding the attention of visitors in a science museum. Forty-seven visitors were tracked through two adjacent exhibitions, comprising a total of 61 interactive exhibits. Four exhibit characteristics were identified and examined: technological novelty, user-centeredness, sensory stimulation, and open-endedness. Regression analyses show that two of these characteristics, technological novelty and open-endedness, help to account for the variance in average visitor holding time; these characteristics have positive correlations with the amount of time spent by visitors at exhibits. Nonsignificant results are explained in terms of mitigating environmental and exhibit-related factors. In addition, topics for future study are suggested.

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  • Cody Sandifer
    Author
    Towson University
  • Citation

    Publication Name: Journal of Research in Science Teaching
    Volume: 40
    Number: 2
    Page Number: 121
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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