Date of publication
Nov 25, 2024
Category:
Article
Anthropomorphism and motivating participation in citizen science projects
by
Zoey Rosen
,
Marilee Long
,
Bonne Ford
,
Eric A. Wendt
,
Michael Cheeseman
,
Casey Quinn
,
Christian L'Orange
,
John Volckens
,
Jeffrey R. Pierce
Maintaining long-term participation in citizen science projects is challenging; thus, it is important for project developers to use effective techniques to motivate participants. One approach is to incorporate anthropomorphism (ascribing humanlike qualities to a non-human agent) when designing and deploying technology. In a quasi-experimental study conducted as part of the Citizen-Enabled Aerosol Measurements for Satellites (CEAMS) citizen science project, we investigated the relationship between anthropomorphism and motivation to participate in citizen science. Findings showed partial support for the relationship between anthropomorphism and motivation.