Research Methods

The resources linked to below outline research methods previously developed by other organisations.

Meeting the cultural needs of our communities

As climate change becomes ever more topical, how can science centres and museums contribute something to their communities that adds value? Further more, how can that value be measured? Douglas Worts has proposed a framework for critically assessing a museum program. In his article (2.3 Mb, pdf) in the Journal of Museum Education, Worts discusses how museums should be attuned to the cultural shifts and needs of the community, particularly now as the global community is faced with the issue of climate change.

“It is hard to conceive of a more pressing issue today...Being responsive to the critical issues of our day...while engaging citizens in active ways helps justify the public funding of cultural organizations. It also makes sense that museums function as mirrors that enable a society to see itself more clearly and adjust its actions accordingly.” (Worts, 2006)

A Logical Approach

Do you need to evaluate a programme and don’t know where to start? Are you planning or developing an educational programme?

The University of Wisconsin-Extension has an online course titled “Enhancing Program Performance with Logic Models”. Containing two modules, the first module specifically guides practitioners in applying the ‘programme logic’ approach to evaluation, whilst the second shows it applied to a national community nutrition education programme.

Measuring What Visitors Learn

Inspiring learning for all is a UK-based program that provides guidance, checklists and tools for measuring learning by visitors to museums. The extensive website also includes case studies from institutions that have used the Generic Learning Outcomes framework.

Tips About How to Conduct Evaluation and Visitor Research

Guidelines and suggestions developed by the Evaluation and Visitor Research Special Interest Group of Museums Australia on topics such as: writing a research brief; conducting a market research study; evaluating programs or exhibitions; designing questionnaires; conducting focus groups; evaluating web sites; using meta evaluation. Includes links to lists of books and bibliographies.

Visit Australian Museums and Galleries Online (AMOL).