The practice and potential of heritage emotion research: an experimental mixed-methods approach to investigating affect and emotion in a historic house

Concerned with understanding emotion and visitor responses through both self-report and wearable physiological sensors, this paper examines the affective relationships enacted at a historic house within two distinct visitor routes. First, it looks at the growing interest in emotion and covers a compatible approach to physiology, emotion and affect drawing on the work of psychologists, neuroscientists and social psychologists. Subsequently, the paper offers an analysis and exploratory discussion of physiological and self-report survey data in determining the emotional and affective component of heritage visitation. This is presented within the context of research conducted in collaboration with the National Trust, UK. Through a discussion of the limitations of such a method, it offers a nuanced understanding of both emotional experience and the potential of technological tools.