Just yesterday I was reading in <Visitor Studies> about a research project
called the 51% Solution (as in mixture, not answer).  Beverly Serrell is
conducting a study to gather standardized information from museums on
exhibit evaluation, using the same questions.  I'm oversimplifying and
there is some discussion going on as to whether this will produce useful
results.  Ms. Serrell has, according to the journal, made presentations
on the project at various gatherings, including the Visitor Studies Assn.,
so somebody out there may know more about it.  I don't have the journal
here at home, but if you'll call me I'll try to dig up Serrell's address.
It was the most recent issue of Visitor Studies.


Kerridwen Harvey asked:>
> Is there any research anyone knows of - or standards - about what is
> thought to be an indicator of effectiveness (of exhibits, programs, etc.)?
> What I am thinking of - is whether there is an agreed upon standard
> regarding what proportion of the audience for an event/program/exhibit
> that should understand the main message (messages) of the program in order
> to declare it has effectively communicated its message?  I haven't found
> any agreement in the literature on whether it is enough to have 30% of
> visitors "get it" or whether we need 80%, for example.  Has this simply
> been left to the individual museum/site/zoo/park to decide as an objective
> of that program?
>
> Any experience or opinions on this are would be appreciated.
>
> Thank you.
>
> --
> Kerridwen Harvey
> Museum and Heritage Consultant
> Ottawa, Ontario
> email: [log in to unmask]
>


--
Amy R. Killpatrick                          Phone: 717-772-1967
Museum Educator                             FAX:   717-783-1073
Bureau of Historic Sites & Museums   Internet: [log in to unmask]
PA Historical & Museum Commission