6. Why Do Visitor Studies? To learn more about the audience Who are they What do they come for What do they take away To better design exhibits and programs for the audience To find out whether intended impacts are achieved To allocate scarce resources more efficiently Carlos Museum, Emory University
7. Basic Types Marketing research Front-end: planning stages of exhibit or program Formative: development and building Remedial Summative: after exhibit or program is launched
8. Methods Observation Tracking Timing Conversations Surveys/Interviews Focus Groups FlaviaSparacino, MIT Brown University Kevin Redpath
14. Many complimented its beauty, organization, and creativitySerrell & Associates Lacmaonfire.blogspot.com
15. Natural History Dioramas Evaluation by S.D. Tunnicliffe & A. Scheersoi, 2010 Methods: Conversations, interviews, drawings Findings: 4 stages of visitor response: identify, interest, interpret, investigate Natural history dioramas can be a useful tool in science education
16. Skyline Chicago Children’s Museum Summative evaluation by Randi Korn & Associates Methods: observation, interviews, in-exhibit documentation Findings: Nearly all intended impacts achieved Children and adults demonstrated greater understanding of concepts Gyroscope, Inc.
![Visitor Studies Association “VSA is an international network of professionals committed to understanding and enhancing visitor experience in informal learning settings through research, evaluation, and dialogue.” ,[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)