Filter by keyword: Citizen science

Publications including this keyword are listed below.

82 publications found

Nov 25, 2024 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 and 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.

Volume 23 • Issue 08 • 2024

Oct 30, 2024 Conference Review

Public Communication of Science and Technology Symposium in South Bend, Indiana, U.S.A.

by Marlit Hayslett and Maggie Fink

This conference review discusses the July 2024 Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) symposium held in South Bend, Indiana, the first PCST symposium held in the United States. It reflects on speakers, topics, and logistics of the event.

Volume 23 • Issue 08 • 2024

Oct 07, 2024 Practice Insight

Understanding methodological innovation in participatory research: insights from participatory EU-funded projects

by Ana Barbosa Mendes, Charlotte Bruns, Dana Mahr and Simone Driessen

In this practice insight, we explore the intersection between creativity and sustainability in methodological development within participatory research with all its inherent complexities and tensions. We reflect on the challenges of identifying methodological innovation in participatory methods, emphasizing the gradual and cumulative nature of this process. We highlight the crucial role of reflexivity in methodological development and examine the socio-political, epistemic and institutional contexts that influence participatory research trajectories. By analysing the tension between methodological innovation and conservatism, this practice insight sheds light on the complex dynamics within participatory projects and calls for a nuanced understanding of methodological development.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Jul 24, 2024 Practice Insight

Citizen science and science communication: toward a more inclusive pattern?

by Federica Cagnoli

Despite research calls in citizen science and science communication for more participatory approaches, practical attempts are uncommon. This practice insight focuses on a significant barrier to adopting a participatory approach — the lack of inclusion. In this project, I identified the barriers and determinants of inclusion through a literature review, and then I developed and tested a framework applicable to participatory science communication projects to determine if projects recognise and address inclusion considerations. I successfully tested the framework using reports from a European citizen science project. By considering inclusion criteria as essential for participatory science communication, this framework may help practitioners account for inclusion considerations during the design and monitoring stages of the project cycle.

Volume 23 • Issue 05 • 2024

Jun 10, 2024 Practice Insight

Measuring the impacts of participatory citizen science: lessons from the WeCount sustainable mobility project

by Ana Margarida Sardo, Sophie Laggan, Laura Fogg-Rogers, Elke Franchois, Giovanni Maccani, Kris Vanherle and Enda Hayes

WeCount was designed to empower citizens in five case studies across Europe to take a leading role in the production of data, evidence, knowledge and solutions for local sustainable mobility. This practice insight aims to explore the suitability and value of citizen science to address sustainable mobility and sustainable transport issues. The evaluation showed that WeCount was able to reach and sustain engagement with broad demographics in society and highlighted the importance of co-design in making citizen science enjoyable and empowering. Statistical significance was found: the more a citizen enjoyed their time, the more likely they were to state they would continue working with the data beyond the project. Moreover, WeCount citizens reported that participation led to action and/or changes in behaviours. While the numbers are modest (24 individual actions by around 10% of participants), this is an important, measurable outcome.

Volume 23 • Issue 05 • 2024

Apr 15, 2024 Article

Citizen science and learning outcomes: assessment of projects in South Africa

by Nonsikelelo Sackey, Corlia Meyer and Peter Weingart

This study assessed educational goals and learning outcomes in 57 citizen science projects in South Africa. Emphasising data collection as the primary objective, the findings revealed a secondary focus on environmental awareness, protection, and management, as well as education and research advancement. Notably, educational goals were often not prioritised, and formal measures for assessing learning outcomes were infrequently employed by project leaders. The study underscores the necessity for systematic approaches to evaluate the educational impacts of citizen science projects in South Africa.

Volume 23 • Issue 03 • 2024

Nov 13, 2023 Article

An analysis of science communication about COVID-19 vaccination in Portuguese online news media

by Elaine Santana, Joana Bernardo, Inga Donici, Rúben Valente, Bárbara Pedro, Inês Almeida, Sílvia Silva, Conceição Alegre, Teresa Loureiro and Rosa Silva

This study aimed to analyze the usage of scientific concepts and technical terms related to COVID-19 vaccination in Portuguese online news sources and examine citizens' comprehension of these terms. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted, examining Portuguese news articles about COVID-19 vaccination from November 2021 to January 2022. Scientific terms were extracted from 190 articles, and seven citizens provided identification and brief definitions of familiar terms. Approximately 68% of the news articles involved collaboration with researchers or health professionals. A total of 144 scientific terms were identified in 77% of the articles, with more than half (57.54%) of these terms being unknown or inadequately defined by the citizens consulted.

Volume 22 • Issue 05 • 2023

Jun 20, 2023 Practice Insight

Promoting sustainable mobility in communities with citizen participation: approaches, perspectives and results of a Living Lab in Germany

by Madlen Günther, Simone Martinetz, Josef F. Krems and Bernd Bienzeisler

The present contribution deals with a practical insight into the design, implementation, and evaluation of different participation formats (on-site, direct mail, online) to participate in a living lab. A total sample of 290 citizens was recruited to promote sustainable mobility (i.e. walking and cycling) and improve urban space quality. Results further address the influence of participation methodology on participants' evaluation, willingness to participate and reported satisfaction with the participation used as well as predictors for participation satisfaction. Although the sample was not representative, the results suggest that citizen participation contributed to a more sustainable mobility awareness and a higher acceptance of the urban transformation.

Volume 22 • Issue 03 • 2023 • Special Issue: Living labs under construction: paradigms, practices, and perspectives of public science communication and participatory science

Jun 20, 2023 Article

Co-creativity in Living Labs: fostering creativity in co-creation processes to transform food systems

by Sonia Massari, Francesca Galli, Dalia Mattioni and Yuna Chiffoleau

In this article, the authors aim to reflect on the relationship between collaborative creation and creativity ('co-creativity') within Living Lab (LL) research and innovation in the domain of agri-food systems.While the value of LL is often perceived to be the collaboration among its participants, there is a need to capture and measure the process of co-creation.Co-creativity is indicated by the literature to be a necessary research and collaborative component of social change, as well as for promoting a transformative sustainability agenda.This article uses empirical and primary data collected in the context of the DIVINFOOD project to show the extent to which researchers actively promote, manage and respond to the effects of collaborative creativity within their research. Collaborative creativity is an indispensable component of the co-creation process because it supports collaborative learning. The authors conclude that measuring co-creativity could be an interesting indicator to monitor the development of LLs over time.

Volume 22 • Issue 03 • 2023 • Special Issue: Living labs under construction: paradigms, practices, and perspectives of public science communication and participatory science

May 15, 2023 Article

Diversifying citizen science through the inclusion of young people

by Natasha Louise Constant and Joelene Hughes

The study presents findings on motivations, barriers and recommendations that enhance youth engagement in citizen science particularly, those with no prior citizen science experience. We conducted focus groups targeting young people with and without citizen science experience. Qualitative findings identify a range of motivations including career development, new interests and knowledge, altruistic values, social interactions, inclusivity and connections to new places and nature. Several barriers were identified including logistical constraints, lack of knowledge and interest, programmatic and organisational issues. We discuss the implications of our findings to broaden the diversity of citizen scientists toward a younger demographic.

Volume 22 • Issue 02 • 2023