Designing a Measurement for Bias: The Impact Artist Identity Knowledge on Viewers' Aesthetic Emotions

• In Event: Tools for Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

This study sought to develop a means of assessing bias when viewing artwork. Specifically to assess how knowledge about an artist’s gender or racial identity impacts a viewer’s aesthetic emotions when reacting to a painting. Over the course of two rounds of instrument development this process involved evidence of internal structure validity, response processes achieved by cognitive interviews, and relationship to other variables. The final instrument was able to demonstrate that participants who are less likely to see their identities represented among artists in museum galleries are more likely to experience admiration and interest when they do see a work by an artist who represents their race or gender.

Author

• Alysha Meloche, Villanova University