COVES Exit Survey

The Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies values transparency, innovation, accountability, and connection. In particular, we seek to be transparent in our processes and decisions and accountable to each COVES member and the broader museum field. With those values in mind, we are excited to provide the museum field, and any researchers and evaluators interested in building off of our work, COVES’ core instrument questions. 

The core questions that make up the COVES instrument are neither revolutionary nor proprietary. Instead, the questions are quite straightforward. However, we have found that these questions are key to helping museums remain aware of the fundamental elements of the visitor experience. The COVES survey differs slightly depending on what type of institution is administering it. There are currently two main versions of the survey, one for science/natural history/children's museums (also called "Science+"), and one for art museums. However, the differences are relatively minor. In the following document, you will find (1) the question language, (2) the answer options, and (3) brief descriptions of the purpose for including each question in the core survey. Differences between the different cohort surveys are noted in the document. 

Click here to view the COVES Exit Survey (update July 2024)

Click here to view the Spanish translations.

If you’d like more information about the Questions and Measures team’s discussions, pilot testing, and Leadership Advisory Council decision-making process, feel free to reach out to us! If you like anything you see, we’d be flattered if you would replicate any and all COVES questions for your own use. 

When you’re ready to join the discussions and begin directly comparing your institution with others, we’ll be here, ready to greet, onboard, and support your data exploration and future data-driven decisions!