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Hello,

I'm piloting an exhibit evaluation system at our institution where myself and floor staff will be carrying out visitor observations in our galleries. Would anyone be able to lead me to resources or share what they do regarding informing/gaining consent from visitors?

Our observations put us in the galleries, observing, taking notes, and when possible, following-up the observation with one quick question and recording responses. We are not video-taping or recording conversations. The data will be analyzed and presented internally with staff and Board members, and perhaps with other professionals in certain circumstances. Currently, our plan is to:


-          Put up a sign at the gallery entrance, explaining that we're watching visitors interact with exhibits in order to improve their learning experience, and that they can ask our staff if they have any questions about the research

-          Put up a smaller sign near the observer (in case people missed the one at the gallery entrance)

-          Ask parents for consent before asking children (anyone below 12) for their assent to answer our questions, and not approach children under 12 for whom we do not have parental consent.

If anyone has any links to any references or has suggestions on how to address issues of consent in research of this nature, I'd be much obliged.

Kind Regards,

Hana Dethlefsen
Program Developer, Community Engagement
Science World British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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