Changing Museum Practice through Research (and Evaluation)

Suzy Letourneau, PhD, Providence Children's Museum & Brown University
Robin Gose, EdD, Thinkery
Jenni Martin, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

This session explored research partnerships between museums and universities/external researchers and how research findings influenced the museum practices. Much of it was focused on how data gathered helped inform design of exhibits and guest experiences.

Loving my stats and data, I was definitely interested to see what presenters had to share about their experiences. Three case studies were presented, highlighting different phases of research-

1. Gather information & defining questions
This includes utilizing existing research and seeking out partnerships when necessary.
Research is aided by defining desired oucomes at both the outset and throughout the development of the process.

Case study shared from Providence Children's Museum discussed the methodology that they used when exploring how to facilitate and then measure increases in children's metacognition (thinking about thinking). Museum partnered with university researchers and conducted interviews with caregivers as well as observational checklists and anecdotals to help inform the museum's practice and development of new exhibits.

2. Choosing methods, building capacity
Choosing research methods and focus can be a difficult area for a museum to determine. Is your focus on guest visitation stats, exhibit outcomes, etc.? It is important to make sure that data collected can actually be used to inform practice and provide direction for further progress.

Case study was shared from the Thinkery in Austin, TX, which the presenter jokingly referred to as a 30 year old start up. The Thinkery was previously known as the Austin Children's Museum and underwent massive rebranding a few years ago to reemerge as The Thinkery, with a large focuse on STEAM experiences. This case study resonated the most with me, as their circumstances are somewhat similar to ours! One of the main concerns in regards to data collection was to move away from reliance upon external reviewers (who can be expensive, time consuming, etc.) and shift to internal data collection by staff. The Thinkery utilized a number of easily accessible data tools, including survey monkey to gauge guest experience. They also colleccted email addresses, phone #, and age & # of children. They even required this at point of purchase for online ticketing- this caused guest complaints, but provided data for the museum about te age of attendees, which then informed the content of exhibits. Data provides a strong foundation to defend practices when used effectively (in this case, data to show the board in defense of keeping exhibits focused toward younger learners).

3. Interpreting findings-
Very briefly touched upon evaluation with a case study from the Children's Museum of San Jose. They partnered with a university reseacher and were heavily focused upon building knowledge regarding children's learning through parent/child interactions. This research was especially interesting to me, as it focused on the variation in explanations that parents provide, based upon child's gender. Pics of these findings coming soon!

To me, it was interesting to see the process of a young (ish!) instituition beginning the process of internal data collection as well as how findings can lead to adjustments in offerings- therefore providing a more positive experience for guests!

The power of data is undeniable and can lead to positive change, when utilized.

-Rina