Publication Date

1976

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Walker, Albert, 1920-

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Journalism

LCSH

Chicago. John G. Shedd Aquarium; Aquariums; Public--Illinois--Chicago

Abstract

This study was designed to reveal the differences in attitudes of the types of members of the Shedd Aquarium Society toward the John G. Shedd Aquarium and its programs. The research was designed to test several major hypotheses. These cover (a) the differences in the class of membership held and reasons why persons join the Shedd Aquarium Society; (b) the differences in the class of membership held and the satisfaction of members with the direction of activities and facilities of the Shedd Aquarium and (c) the differences between the class of membership held and the income of the members. A questionnaire was sent to 1,407 individuals. A total of 304 (or 22 percent) questionnaires were returned. The independent variables in the study were the sub-groups in the Shedd Aquarium Society. The chi square test was applied to test the hypotheses for significant differences in attitudes of the groups. In all, 72 factors relating to possible differences were tested in the study through the measurement of 26 questions to test three hypotheses. The findings of the study appear to support the hypotheses. There appears to be great civic support in both the upper income level members and the lower income bracket. Those in the less expensive membership classifications seem to find more enjoyment in their memberships than do those in the more expensive membership classifications. The large majority of all membership classes (with the exception of the governing members, which are all upper income level) have a total family income in the upper income bracket. Further study of the Shedd Aquarium Society membership could be made of new members, initial impressions of the society benefits. These same members could then be tested again in two years to see if society benefits and activities lived up to their expectations. This might also help to determine whether initial interest is maintained and why.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

ix, 92 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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