Melissa, As to a formal study of such a thing, I have no idea. I am however certain that that is an issue of concern. We are "experimenting" with it right now. We have a show up in our main gallery that can be characterized as intensely abstract. The artist insists on minimal or completely non-existent explanation in the form of labels or signs, preferring that visitors experience the work and take away whatever experience they have without the formal overlay of artist/curatorial explanation. As "interesting" and "challenging" as such a notion may be, it terrifies the majority of visitors, who simply do not know what to think. Many only take a few steps into the cavernous 70' x 70' space before turning around in bewilderment. I do not know for certain that labels or signage would really improve the understanding, but it would very likely increase visitor comfort levels. The range of emotions this sort of daunting intellectual exercize generates is intentional on the part of the artist, and unfortunately not well suited to the casual enjoyer of art. Even just a small piece of explanatory paper which they can hold as a security blanket while viewing the exhibition would likely help. If you were to engage in such a study, I think you would find a very high correlation between the mere presence of explanatory or educational materials and visitor psychological comfort. Increased understanding or retention on the part of visitors is another matter all together. Good luck. Mark Janzen Registrar/Collections Manager Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection Wichita State University (316)978-5850 "Lloyd, M." <[log in to unmask] AC.UK> To Sent by: Museum [log in to unmask] discussion list cc <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject Anyone seen a study? 09/12/2006 03:08 AM Please respond to Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> My name is Melissa Lloyd and I am conducting some visitor studies over the balance of aesthetics and educational materials in the gallery space and have found a interesting bit---many of the people who are not using the educational materials are giving very positive feed back on the fact that the materials are in the gallery. It made me wonder---are there any studies out there about the symbolic aspect of educational materials being present towards the openess and willingness to engage visitors of a museum? That is to say can just the mere presence of materials whether used or not provide a feeling of ease to less initiated visitors--utilized or not?? Just curious Melissa Lloyd ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).