
Overview
Background
Dr Jan Packer has a background in Psychology having completed a BA (Hons) at UQ in 1976. Her PhD (Education, QUT, 2004) focussed on motivations for learning in educational leisure settings. She has published broadly in the area of educational psychology over many years. The current major focus of her research is in applying the principles of educational, environmental and positive psychology to understand and facilitate visitor experiences in leisure settings such as museums and other tourist and leisure contexts. Jan was co-editor of the international journal, Visitor Studies from 2005 through 2011.
Availability
- Associate Professor Jan Packer is:
- Not available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology
Research interests
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Visitor studies; Free-choice learning; Museums; Zoos and Aquariums
Applying the principles of educational, environmental and positive psychology to understand and facilitate visitor experiences in tourism and leisure settings such as museums, zoos and aquariums, and ecotourism experiences.
Research impacts
Dr Packer's research informs practice in museums, zoos and aquariums, ecotourism and heritage tourism settings. Her research has contributed to developing an understanding of visitor motivations, visitor experiences, and beneficial outcomes for visitors to museums and other visitor attractions. She has a developing interest in the quality of life outcomes of tourism and leisure more broadly. Her research with Professor Ballantyne has identified factors that encourage and support visitors' adoption of environmentally sustainable behaviours as a result of visiting a zoo, aquarium or ecotourism activity.
Works
Search Professor Jan Packer’s works on UQ eSpace
1978
Journal Article
Cognitive style and teacher-student compatibility
Packer, Janis and Bain, John D. (1978). Cognitive style and teacher-student compatibility. Journal of Educational Psychology, 70 (5), 864-871. doi: 10.1037/0022-0663.70.5.864
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Jan Packer is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Essays exploring the restorative potential, experiences and outcomes of spiritual retreats
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Factors that influence engagement in on-site environmentally responsible behaviours at music festivals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Hughes, Associate Professor Sheranne Fairley
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
The importance of food in vacation decision-making: Involvement, lifestyles and destination activity preferences of international Slow Food members
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Searching for Meaning: Exploring Pilgrimage and Religious Heritage Tourism Experiences in English Religious Heritage Sites
Principal Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Wildlife Tourism Experiences on Visitors' Environmental Learning at Giant Panda Centres in China
Principal Advisor
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2012
Master Philosophy
Understanding the needs and interests of Chinese zoo visitors in relation to conservation education
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Using wildlife tourism and post-visit support to enhance families¿ conservation learning at Mon Repos Conservation Park
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Essays in psycho-physiological measures of consumers' emotional responses to tourism advertising
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gabby Walters
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the implications of cultural diversity for environmental learning at an African aquarium
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Cruise tourists' perceptions of destination: Exploring push and pull motivational factors in the decision to take a cruise vacation
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
The 'why' of HR practices: employee attributions regarding HR practices and resulting effects on service climate and employee attitudes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Solnet
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Serious Leisure, Leisure Satisfaction and Gardening by Older Adults
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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