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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I  have conducted a variety of evaluation research for exhibit, film, and 
radio projects, and have used several recruitment techniques successfully:

1.  Get a school to cooperate in an evaluation, creating incentives through a 
modest donation to the school or PTA, comp field trips or IMAX tickets.

2.  Recruit museum members by offering them a free dinner.

3.  Recruit museum visitors through incentives such as IMAX passes or a 
discount in the gift shop or a small gift certificate.

4.  Recruit a broader sample of adults through Craig's list, working with 
community organizations, etc., again offering some modest incentives.

One issue you have to be cognizant of can be referred to as "use of human 
subjects", in other words, being aware of ethical and legal issues involved in 
observing or surveying children or adults.  It is probably best, in most cases, 
to get a parental consent form signed when kids are involved (up to age 16 or 
so).  By participating, adults have presumably given their consent (i.e., they 
have agreed to answer questions or to be observed), unless the research 
involves some deception.  Some funders, such as the National Institutes of Health, 
require a review of your research plan and instruments by an Institutional 
Review Board, a committee you can find at universities and other research 
organizations. The IRB reviews your proposed plans and approves or disapproves of it, 
based upon whether it is properly designed with respect to ethical and 
informed consent issues and that necessary permissions have been received from those 
"human subjects" involved.

Robert L. Russell, Ph.D., Principal
Learning Experience Design
(202) 997-5539
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Science Advisor, Celebra la Ciencia
www.celebralaciencia.org

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