Besides the internet another important place for informal learning processes are museums. With the progressive development of technology, museums use more and more digital media, e.g., in digital installations or as digital guides for exhibitions.
The way knowledge is transferred in museums has some special characteristics which lead to interesting perspectives for the pedagogic-psychological research and theory building. One example is the high significance of authentic physical objects or the mechanisms of an effective and entertaining orchestration of exhibition topics. In current exhibitions innovative digital media is often used, ranging from multi touch tables to multimedia guides or immersive installations.
The following examples for research questions give an insight into the research activities of the IWM:
- Which role does the perceived authenticity of exhibition objects play in attention and information processing of visitors [Concepts of authenticity in different types of museums]?
- How can audio guide explanations be designed to meet visitors’ needs [Influence of spoken text on cognitive processing of complex pictorial presentations]?
- Which influence do vivid reconstructions have on historic understanding? [Learning with 3D-Reconstructions]?
- How can conflicting information be effectively presented in museums and exhibitions [Conveying conflicting scientific topics in exhibitions]?
- How can propaganda pictures be deconstructed and how does the awareness of being in a historic place related to Nazi-history influence the perception, processing and judgements about associated pictures [The visitors’ view on Obersalzberg]?