More museums turn to focus groups, but do they help or hinder?

Focus groups are not just for makeup and snack food any more. Museums are increasingly using the popular market research tool to gather input from the public and refine exhibitions and programmes. Originally developed to gauge the effectiveness of propaganda during the Second World War, focus groups are a new trend among art institutions, says Louise Mirrer, the president of the New-York Historical Society.Before its exhibition Martin Luther: Art and the Reformation (30 October 2016-15 January