An unobstrusive observation study of visitor interaction with exhibits and park staff in Saguaro National Park

Abstract

The behavior of visitors in a museum is one way to evaluate the effective exhibits and information services. Unobtrusive observation of visitors both in and around a visitor center and museum produces data which indicate visitor preferences. Timing visitors to see how long they stay at a particular spot contributes to the planner's knowledge of museum patrons. Studies of this sort are quite common in private zoos, museums, and aquariums nationwide. The National Park Service, however, has done few unobtrusive observation studies, and little to evaluate exhibit effectiveness. In this study, visitors to the Saguaro National Park, East Unit, Visitor Center in Tucson, Arizona, were unobtrusively observed to determine their interests. A population of 100 visitors was observed outside the visitor center, and a population of 100 visitors was observed inside. Visitor responses to 23 stopping points inside the visitor center were observed.