Previous research has shown that children’s art viewing behaviour is influenced by bottom-up factors, as opposed to top-down factors in adults. This study examines the influence of painting...Show morePrevious research has shown that children’s art viewing behaviour is influenced by bottom-up factors, as opposed to top-down factors in adults. This study examines the influence of painting descriptions tailored to children aged 10-12 on their visual attention and aesthetic appreciation of art. Sixty-two participants viewed a set of three painting in the halls of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, while their eye movements were recorded. One group received a description tailored to their age-group before viewing each painting (Child Description Condition), while the two other groups either received the museum’s description (Adult Description Condition) or no description at all (Free-Viewing Condition). After viewing, each participant’s aesthetic appreciation was measured. Findings indicate significant differences in visual attention between conditions, where participants with child-tailored description viewed more areas of interest for a longer period compared to other conditions. However, no difference in aesthetic appreciation was found between conditions. These results highlight the importance of tailoring art descriptions to the knowledge level of specific demographics, children in particular. Furthermore, it shows that adult-level descriptions are just as effective at modulating children’s visual attention as giving no description or information at all. Going further, this knowledge can be applied to enhance children’s understanding and maintain engagement in various real-world settings, such as education and safety.Show less
Previous research has shown that children’s art viewing behaviour is influenced by bottom-up factors, as opposed to top-down factors in adults. This study examines the influence of painting...Show morePrevious research has shown that children’s art viewing behaviour is influenced by bottom-up factors, as opposed to top-down factors in adults. This study examines the influence of painting descriptions tailored to children aged 10-12 on their visual attention and aesthetic appreciation of art. Sixty-two participants viewed a set of three painting in the halls of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, while their eye movements were recorded. One group received a description tailored to their age-group before viewing each painting (Child Description Condition), while the two other groups either received the museum’s description (Adult Description Condition) or no description at all (Free-Viewing Condition). After viewing, each participant’s aesthetic appreciation was measured. Findings indicate significant differences in visual attention between conditions, where participants with child-tailored description viewed more areas of interest for a longer period compared to other conditions. However, no difference in aesthetic appreciation was found between conditions. These results highlight the importance of tailoring art descriptions to the knowledge level of specific demographics, children in particular. Furthermore, it shows that adult-level descriptions are just as effective at modulating children’s visual attention as giving no description or information at all. Going further, this knowledge can be applied to enhance children’s understanding and maintain engagement in various real-world settings, such as education and safety.Show less
