Current Search: Museums--Social aspects. (x)
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Title
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Olfaction and Exhibition: Assessing the Impact of Scent in Museums on Exhibit Engagement, Learning and Empathy.
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Creator
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Mills, Cory C., Harris, Michael S., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
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Abstract/Description
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The aim of this investigation is to analyze the effects of incorporating scent-based elements in ethnographic exhibits. Specifically, it attempts to identify changes in patron response to a visual display, with and without a scent element. Groups of patrons were observed throughout their engagement with the exhibit, and interviewed post-engagement to generate data on information retention, opinion on content and empathetic response in relation to the exhibit. Findings suggest that the...
Show moreThe aim of this investigation is to analyze the effects of incorporating scent-based elements in ethnographic exhibits. Specifically, it attempts to identify changes in patron response to a visual display, with and without a scent element. Groups of patrons were observed throughout their engagement with the exhibit, and interviewed post-engagement to generate data on information retention, opinion on content and empathetic response in relation to the exhibit. Findings suggest that the inclusion of scent did increase memorization of the limited facts reinforced through the scent element. However, there was no detectable difference between the groups on measures of overall comprehension of the subject matter, nor their empathetic responses toward the exhibited culture. The results of the study are discussed as a measure of the observer—observed dichotomy, and the argument is made that multisensory representation in the museum can aid in the facilitation of cross-cultural education.
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Date Issued
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2017
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004821, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004821
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Subject Headings
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Museums--Social aspects., Museums--Psychological aspects., Smell--Social aspects., Museums--Curatorship., Museums--Technological innovations., Museum exhibits--Psychological aspects., Museum exhibits--Physiological aspects.
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Format
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Document (PDF)