Abstract

This article studies the differences between first-time and repeat visitors to a large temporary exhibition at a natural history museum. Cued visitors were overtly observed and then interviewed. Compared to first-time visitors, repeat visitors generally visited museums more frequently and tended to be more interested in science. During the visit, they appeared more focused and selective. Repeat visitors engaged with fewer exhibits but spent more time on average engaging with single exhibits than did first-time visitors. There was no detectible tendency to use distant areas of the exhibit more during repeat visits. In comparison to first-time visitors, repeat visitors spent more time at interactive stations but less time at noninteractive exhibits.

摘要

本文研究了自然历史博物馆大型临时展览的首次参观者和重复参观者之间的差异。被暗示的访客被公开观察，然后被采访。与初次参观的游客相比，回头客通常更频繁地参观博物馆，并且对科学更感兴趣。在访问期间，他们显得更加专注和有选择性。回头客与较少的展品互动，但平均花在单个展品上的时间比首次来访者多。在重复访问期间，没有发现更多使用展品较远区域的趋势。与初次参观者相比，重复参观者在互动站花费的时间更多，但在非互动展览上花费的时间更少。